Reviews the political controversy regarding the National Endowment for the Arts and the relationship of art to human existence. Argues that art is an essential aspect of the human spirit. Proposes a definition of art as human activity that illuminates the universal qualities of a particular action or experience. (CFR)

The chief characteristic of the visual arts as a humanity is that the focus is upon the individual. (Author)

Presents and discusses the reasoning behind the National Art Education Association's position statement, "Art in the Mainstream." The statement is intended to clarify the wider value of art education. Art education is essential in developing positive attitudes toward work, in enhancing literacy, and in increasing understanding of human values. (AM)

Aesthetic education has attempted to teach art history and criticism, along with providing traditional art activities. The viability of aesthetic education is criticized, and a step beyond it is suggested. The purpose of this new direction, aesthetic literacy, is to ensure that students become knowledgeable consumers of the visual arts. (CS)

The author argues that the arts are important to education because they develop the senses, the emotions, and the capacity for appreciation, which receive little attention in our cognitively-oriented schools. (SJL)

Presents classroom lessons based on four art works designed to change people's minds and behavior. Provides full-page color reproductions of each work of art. Includes information about the artist, questions to be asked about each art work, and suggested classroom activities. (CFR)

Asserts that aesthetic questions and aesthetic understanding provide the framework for learning in art. Contrasts formalism (the belief that art exists for its own sake) with contextualism (the belief that art is part of a social communication system). Maintains that a balanced art program should incorporate both approaches. (MJP)

Contends that an integrated curriculum approach increases student motivation and makes learning easier because lessons have wider applications. Suggests that discipline-based art education promotes an interdisciplinary approach, particularly with social studies and language arts. Provides an example of an instructional unit combining social…

Outlines six instructional approaches to aesthetics and discusses the instructional applications of these approaches. Assesses their feasibility for classroom practice and places them in relation to established educational rationales. Considers multicultural aesthetics, humanist applications, populist applications, studio instruction applications,…

Reprints the 1954 article as a representative example of thinking about art education during the 1950s. Defines the world as an uncertain and challenging place well served by the evaluative and creative-thinking characteristic of art education. Argues for a closer synthesis of studio art and art history courses. (MJP)