Art students must know and understand the media with which they are working. Techniques used to help junior high school students gain mastery of art materials are discussed. With control of the materials anything is possible, including creativity. (RM)

Presents an interview with Jeff Rouse, a dentist and sculptor, in which he shares his history, his artistic development, the evolution of his work, and an overview of the process of creating bronze sculptures. Includes directions for sculpting a mouth and creating a bronze sculpture. (CMK)

Art teachers should know about the chemical contents of art materials and understand how chemicals enter the body, what happens as a result, and what can be done to reduce chemical hazards. Three ways in which foreign substances enter the body, i.e., absorption, inhalation, and ingestion, are discussed. (RM)

What images should we study? Which have value? Which are significant? These questions lie at the heart of one of the most critical issues in art education today in the debate over whether the field should maintain a narrow focus on fine art or expand its scope to include all of visual culture. In this article, I argue for the inclusion of…

Discusses the use of the chalkboard as a surface for creating art and enabling young students to express their creativity. Explores different ways that art teachers can use chalkboards, such as for taking attendance, for use during a child's time-out, or a place to rehearse an artwork. (CMK)

Provides background information on the effects of innovations in art materials on artists and their artwork. Introduces the 2003-2004 Clip and Save Art Prints that focus on innovative uses of art materials. Includes examples by artists such as Alfonso Ossorio. (CMK)

Discusses the life and artwork of Jack Barker who became a folk artist after running a local gas station in Essex, Illinois. Explains that art educators view student interactions with folk artists like Barker as valuable because these artists embody a creative spirit and a thirst for knowledge about materials and processes. (CMK)

Despite calls for change and numerous proposed alternatives, art education remains committed to the studio model. The retention of the status quo may be related to the economics of art studio materials and especially to the extensive advertising of art supply companies in art teachers' journals. (Author/IS)

Highlights the importance of including the arts as part of a total Montessori curriculum, regardless of a teacher's talent. Suggests that success in facilitating children's exploration of the arts is achievable via field trips, classroom activities, appropriate materials, and arts integrated into all areas to create an "Art Smart"…

Argues that the arts improve academic achievement and provide an emotional outlet which the Montessori classroom should work to integrate across the curriculum. Provides a case study of change toward a better art orientation, and discusses integrating art class with regular classroom work, and searching for and hiring a specialist in the field.…

Examines an unusual approach to aesthetic education utilizing open-ended philosophical inquiries (conundrums) to facilitate class discussions. The conundrums were submitted by artists, gallery owners, and teachers. Results showed the approach to be an effective adjunct to instruction, provided the teachers could refrain from "filling in"…

Presents an interview with Dr. William R. Detmers, an exhibiting artist and teacher for over 30 years. Dr. Detmers discusses the changing conceptions of both the forms and purposes of art, his own artworks, and the symbiotic relationship between exhibiting and teaching. (MJP)