Since the eighteenth century, both artists and art historians have received educational benefits from public art museums. The main function of public museums, however, has usually been the improvement or refinement of public taste. But in addition to education and pleasure, another museum objective is that of moral improvement. (RM)

The Penn State Seminar grew out of the need for quality research in art education. Art was viewed in a broad, interdisciplinary context. The Getty Institute sought to establish visual art, defined as including art history, art criticism, studio production, and aesthetic perception, as a discipline-based subject in elementary schools. (Author/RM)

This essay examines the ways in which art and art history, as disciplines, have been influenced by feminist scholarship and research into the areas of gender, sexuality, and race. It explains that before the interventions of feminist art historians and theorists of art, beginning in the 1970s, the history of art was conceived of and taught as a…

Participant observation of an innovative art teacher's classroom technique suggested that, despite his popularity with students, this teacher did not fully engage his students' attention. His attempt at using cognitive dissonance to bring about attitudinal change in the classroom left many students baffled despite the effort expended to involve…

Uses the artwork of Color Field painter, Helen Frankenthaler, to discuss abstract painting, how mood can be conveyed through color, different methods of applying color, and how different color combinations change the appearance of colors. Suggests art-related activities for elementary and secondary levels. (KM)

Evaluates the state of art education in light of the National Endowment for the Arts Report, "Toward Civilization." Cites rationale for arts education and makes recommendations for accomplishing the Report's programs. Suggestions include a sequential curriculum, comprehensive testing, improved data gathering; recruitment of outstanding…

Discusses the founding, development, and issues surrounding the Barnes Foundation and its art collection, specifically designed for art education. Also discusses myths about Albert C. Barnes, the Barnes Foundation, and its relationship to the ideas of John Dewey. (CFR)

Argues that art educators must be acquainted with recent trends in art history, particularly the shift from connoisseurship toward cultural and sociological concerns. Presents a brief overview of art history practice in schools, followed by some recommendations for teaching from new perspectives. (KM)

Presents four lesson plans designed to teach about Frank Lloyd Wright's "Hollyhock House" to primary, intermediate, and secondary art students. Provides an overview describing the history and design of the house, including its relationship to Mayan architecture. Includes nine photographs and original drawings of the building. (CFR)

Discusses climate change during the Little Ice Age as experienced during several historical events, including the settlement and demise of the Norse Greenland colonies, the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, and both the Battle of Trenton and Washington's encampment at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. Associated artistic and literary…

This document consists of the first two (printed) components of an instructional packet that includes: (1) a 206-page book, "Face Within Ourselves"; (2) a 39-page study guide "African American Artists, Affirmation Today"; (3) 28-minute videotape of five contemporary artists; (4) twenty 35-mm color slides. This packet introduces…

This pamphlet provides teachers with guidelines, historical information, and background information. One section included provides a teaching rationale, and "Methodological Considerations" provides thoughtful guides for a teacher to employ as curriculum is developed. Sample rationale statements and methodological approaches are given for…

This curriculum resource includes a set of 20 color slides with a descriptive script and comprehensive lesson guide. The unit, which is adaptable for use with grades K-12, examines some of the Northwest Coast Native art objects in the Seattle Art Museum's permanent collection and teaches about the art and culture of the indigenous people of the…

The focus of this teacher's packet is the bronze vessels made for the kings and great families of the early Chinese dynasties between 1700 B.C. and 200 A.D. The materials in the guide are intended for use by teachers and students visiting the exhibition, "The Arts of China," at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution…

This unit focuses on a dramatic moment in the Renaissance from about 1420 when Filippo Brunelleschi single handedly created, defined, and engineered a new architecture by building the great dome of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. The dome became the symbol of Florence's grandeur during the Renaissance, and a model for great…