Over the past decade, Swedish sloyd educators have grappled with the challenge of integrating "aesthetic and cultural expressions" into their teaching practice. As part of a larger research endeavor focusing on discourses surrounding sloyd pedagogy, this article examines the evolution of the concept "aesthetical and cultural…

When first encountering contemporary art, the viewer is confronted with particular challenges--the works can be both surprising in application of materials and provocative in presentation. Contemporary art can confound its audience as they attempt to decode and interpret its meaning. This Instructional Resource outlines an approach for art…

This essay examines the experiences of "lau hala" ("pandanus" leaf plaiting) weavers for the pedagogical philosophies and strategies embedded in this Hawaiian art form in an effort to broaden the ways in which we understand and practice art education in any setting. Drawing on personal experiences as "lau hala"…

This article addresses a methodological gap in the study of creativity: the difficulty of capturing the microgenesis of creative action in ways that would reflect both its psychological and behavioral dynamics. It explores the use of subjective camera (subcam) by research participants as part of an adapted Subjective Evidence-Based Ethnography…

A notion of "good work," derived from William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement but also part of a wider tradition in philosophy (associated with pragmatism and Everyday Aesthetics) understanding the global significance of, and opportunities for, aesthetic experience, grounds both art making and appreciation in the organization of labor…

Whether masks are made from cardboard, papier-mache, metal, wood, leather, fabric, clay or any combination of these materials, they bring out the artist in people. Young children like to wear masks when they play to pretend they were another person or animal. Masks let them fantasize and be creative. The author's students made masks representing…

Recent teacher effectiveness research supports the notion that students learn best from teachers who can be characterized as managing both the craft and the artistic dimensions of learning. Additionally, there is a body of research that has examined possible strategies instructional leaders might use to support the development of the craft…

C. Maxx Stevens, Katy Stone, and Hildur Bjarnadottir create monumental sculptural paintings, installations, and textiles to impart ideas regarding domesticity and nature as well as stories of evolving family or community traditions. Questioning and breaking traditional rules of art in unique ways, their innovative and graceful use of alternative…

The purpose of this study was to examine beliefs about creative activity and its psychological and spiritual benefits among middle-aged women who make jewelry, using qualitative measures. Twenty-nine female participants aged 31 to 64 answered questions about the effects of jewelry making on their lives. Qualitative responses provided…

Involvement of primary grade children in a community art auction taught them that it takes patience and imagination and a sustained effort to turn out an acceptable offering. (RB)

A unique exhibit of Canadian Native Ceramics which began touring various art galleries in September 1973 is described both verbally and photographically. The Indian Inuit Pottery '73 display, part of the 1973 International Ceramics Exhibition, includes 110 samples of craftsmanship from Indian and Inuit artists across Canada. (KM)

Unexpected dividends from this experience were the familiarization and identification of various dyeable fabrics, what to wash, how to wash, fashion, design, color, and the social involvement of wholesome student interaction in the classroom. (RB)

Explains flameworking, the art of melting glass rods over flames and shaping the hot glass artistic or useful forms. (DS)

Discusses how copper foil can be used as a creative jewelry medium. Recommends materials, techniques, and designs. (RB)