Historical background concerning the nature and function of museums is provided, and the aesthetic functions of museums are discussed. The first major aesthetic function of museums is to preserve the artistic heritage of mankind and to make it widely available. The second major function is patronage. (RM)

Experiencing artworks in the Web aggravates the problem of the absence of any historical, cultural and social context, because the Web is a veritable nowhere. This paper stresses the importance of a social and narrative access to art, and presents an interactive group of virtual characters as an alleviation of this problem. The benefits and…

Introduces the J. Paul Getty Museum as Santa Monica College's satellite center for art history courses. Cites the museum's proximity, frequent use of the collection by instructors, and the museum's utilization as a learning center without tuition as benefits of the cooperative arrangement. (CAM)

Addiss and Erickson's book should be useful to any art educator, whereas the work by Hooper-Greenhill should be useful to museum educators in any discipline. Both books work well as introductory texts or refresher courses, and the usefulness of each is enhanced through reference to the other. (SLD)

A study was conducted to develop a retrieval system for slides in the History of Art Collection at Cornell University to make it more consistent and easier for patrons from other academic disciplines to use than the system currently in use. To determine whether slide library systems at other institutions could be adapted to the History of Art…

This article describes the course, sequence and instructional materials of the Advanced Placement Art History course of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The benefits of a cooperative museum/high school course are also discussed. (SJL)

A group of American scholars who visited the People's Republic of China in October and November of 1977 to study Chinese paintings report on their trip. The purpose of the report is to provide information and insights which will be useful to other scholars in the field and which will help promote the development of strong ties between U.S. and…

Reports on a study of the use of museums by 541 middle and high school art education specialists. Finds that art specialists see the art museum as important to supplement classroom instruction in study work and art history. Includes four tables of data and recommendations for enhancing the use of museums by art educators. (CFR)

This paper presents the observations and findings from case studies and projects with the theme of mosaic-making, which were conducted over a period of 10 years, 1987-1997, with young children ages 3 to 6. Emphasis is placed on the cultural heritage of the city of Thessaloniki as a center for the art of mosaic-making during the Early Christian and…

This teaching resource provides information about specific artists, art materials, art history, and museums. There are many reproducible pages, and resources for art publication and materials. Information on portfolio preparation, how to photograph artwork, writing for publication, and resources for art publication and materials is provided.…

Integration and cooperation between museum education and higher education programs of fine arts are advocated to develop visual skills among students and provide a fuller education. (JMF)

Describes a high school project that won an award in the 1991 A&E (Arts and Entertainment) National Teacher Grant Competition. The program, which introduced art history into the U.S. studies curriculum, involved cooperative research, analysis of art in the local museum, group presentations, parental participation, and the production of a…

Presents a lesson where students interact with the art of the Gilded Age and learn about various artists from the time period as a means to review the major themes of the Gilded Age. Explains that this lesson addresses the National Standards for U.S. History. Provides teacher notes, extension activities, and additional sources. (CMK)

An examination of 19th century U.S. art and literature reveals the country's strong identification with nature, the ideals of individual freedom and pioneer courage, and the faith in human nature embraced by the immigrants who expanded the country. In the 17th and 18th centuries, U.S. painting reflected the styles and standards of English art. By…

Presents the fundamental principles of the Getty Center and surveys its activities. Premises are that study of the arts is a principal means of understanding human experience and transmitting cultural values and that arts education should include aesthetic perception, art history, and art criticism, along with creative activities. (MJL)