Presents some concepts of design in art for use by elementary teachers. (SJL)

The Arts in Education Conference held in Sacramento (California) inspired a campaign to make a secure place for arts in the schools. (Author/JM)

Asserts that art is not an impractical "break" from serious learning but rather an essential part of that learning, focusing on the art classroom's traditional status as a refuge, the importance of accountability in art education, and benefits for classroom teachers. The paper explains that accountability does not mean the end of the art classroom…

On the centenary of Tagore's founding of his school in Calcutta, this tribute discusses how he has contributed to the field of education in the United Kingdom and how much more the field could draw upon his contribution to the principles of education and to the arts. Examines Tagore's triple role in the schools as an internationalist,…

Many practitioners and theorists appear convinced that the role of mimetic practice in art is both antiquated and unhelpful for student artistic development. The suggestion is that our contemporary world and its demands call for a different kind of receptivity to art making. In reevaluating aspects of mimetic practice in art, this article examines…

Formalists believe that the aesthetic appreciation of an artwork generally involves an attentive awareness of its sensory or perceptual qualities and does not require knowledge about its nonperceptual properties. Criticisms of classical formalist views, such as that of Clive Bell, are well known. However, a number of philosophers have recently…

In this article, the author discusses how because of its simple and pure form, folk art appeals to younger students because they identify with its whimsical qualities. She tells the story of how her students enjoyed learning about folk art in her own art class. Projects completed by the students are described in detail in this article.

Although the craft and art of bookmaking has a rich history, artworks about books are relatively new. The author teaches in a school that has an international population where a variety of languages and cultures flourish. He took this opportunity to develop a ceramic unit that combined sculptural design, the history of bookmaking, and traditional…

The perceive technicality of arts is threatening its importance in the modern day curriculum. The reasons for this attitude toward art are explored.

The elements and principles of art are enshrined in most art education textbooks today (Crystal Productions, 2000; Hobbs & Salome, 1995; Ragans, 2000; Wachowiak and Clements, 2000). They are presented as the essence of artmaking. If not literally engraved in stone, the big seven (elements) + seven (principles) are reified in print, achieving…

Art education, due to qualities of its epistemology and pedagogy, has at its fingertips the tools that many boys need to facilitate a change from within masculinity. With the existing paucity of research into boys, masculinity and art education, this remains largely conjecture. However, Malcolm's experiences, described in this paper, suggest that…

In this article, the author relates the details of a recurring dream in which he and Victor Lowenfield, the father of modern art education, walk through art rooms, followed by children eager to show them their work. The scene shifts to a school cafeteria where they discuss children and their art over milk and cookies. Amateur dream analysis…

A new movement has appeared recommending, in part, that the field of art education should lessen its traditional ties to drawing, painting, and the study of masterpieces to become the study of visual culture. Visual cultural study refers to an all-encompassing category of cultural practice that includes the fine arts but also deals with the study…

In this lively account of a special school's involvement with the government-funded Creative Partnership programme, Maria Balshaw provides a helpful overview of that programme and demonstrates the exciting potential for inclusive practice when schools work in partnership with creative professionals.

Arts advocacy is on the minds today of many who are involved in theatre education, and the arts in general. This author offers an interesting perspective on the movement by focusing on understanding who engages in arts advocacy, what they are advocating for, how they approach their efforts, and why they undertake arts advocacy in the first place.