The article describes replies to a questionnaire by recipients of the MacArthur Fellows Program, an award given to individuals with uncommon abilities across a wide spectrum of creative pursuits. Replies touch on school and family backgrounds, acceleration, importance of grades, recognition of achievement, extracurricular activities, and…

This paper on the nature of expertise discusses implications of findings of an earlier study into the problem-solving, problem-finding and thought processes of 3 groups: 20 professional artists (experts), 20 semiprofessional artists (non-experts), and 20 non-artists (novices), each group consisting of 10 male and 10 female adults. Subjects were…

Examines six sets of data on giftedness and creativity, finding little evidence for the belief that creativity in adults is mirrored in children. Questions whether children are creative, and whether creativity can be taught. Discusses creation of transitional objects; gaps, novelty, curiosity, and exploration; puberty as a developmental marker;…

This study examined the developmental patterns of and impact of societal influences on 11 highly creative female artists, ages 26-33. Results indicated that, despite negative formal educational experiences, the women generally had supportive families and at least one influential mentor. Art areas were selected at very young ages. (DB)

This interview with a gifted adult, Curt Dempster, the artistic director of the Ensemble Studio Theater, New York City, explores his career development, his suggestions for identifying artistic talent in children, his ideas about intensive training programs for talented children, and his concerns about the role of arts in contemporary culture. (DB)