Page 46 - Studio International - October 1972

Aspects of art education

Art education in Other vital issues must also be faced, such as the converge in a hotel lobby in what is described as
survival of the independent art school and the `the slave market'. Without a national press, jobs
America future of over 12,000 art graduates a year. Such cannot be advertised nationally and weekly, as in
issues are discussed on both sides of the Atlantic. Britain with the Times. The conference has
America is as much a continent as a country. Often underlying the discussions is the old another more dignified aim, which is to
The distance between New York and Los argument of the academic versus the avant present papers on art education and art history.
Angeles is almost as great as the distance garde. Recently, among respectable and academic
between New York and London. In such a vast Within the Association a group of national presentations, real issues begin to emerge, such
country no national system of art education institutions, The Union of Independent as the position of the black artist and the woman
exists as is known in Britain. Each institution Colleges of Art, exists to prepare artists and artist in today's society. Both are lively and
varies with differing structures, courses, designers for the more complex and demanding passionate topics presented with emotion and
financing and so on. Initial impressions of tasks ahead. Professional programmes militancy.
American art education were described in a undertaking the education of the artist have had Such meetings and conferences are a rare
Studio International article, November 1968, to recognize their evolving and expanding opportunity for artists and educators to meet,
entitled 'Up the American Vanishing Point'. obligation to reorganize to meet enlarging needs. an opportunity otherwise made difficult by
In the last few years, continued travel to many Through cooperative programmes a student distance.
art institutions has revealed to me the growing may gain access to a variety of philosophies and However, at times American education
concern and changes in attitudes and ideas in environmental structures. Included in the appears still concerned with teaching rather
American art education. programmes are the student mobility than learning, with giving answers rather than
The understanding of the differences programme, a faculty exchange programme, a posing questions. Eagerness to know is
between America and Britain is made more transfer programme and study abroad confused with willingness to accept, particularly
difficult by the English language, encouraging programmes. In such a way members of the in the teaching of outdated techniques.
ready acceptance rather than real understanding. UICA give students the advantage of mobility Many institutions still strictly adhere to rigid
Even the word 'education' has a different of movement and a variety of exposure. In a practices of yesteryear. The academy still
meaning in the two countries, with their transient society the advantages in such a struggles on in many places throughout
different systems and sensibilities. programme are many. Institutions of the UICA America and is often preserved within the
Although there is no national system, the include California, Cleveland, Kansas City, university art department. Visiting artists from
National Association of Schools of Art Maryland, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Rhode Europe are still surprised by narrow attitudes.
represents schools and institutions of the Island, and San Francisco. In such institutions, One young British artist recently wrote
highest traditions and aims in the education of and others throughout America, exists a complaining of the continual ringing bell which
artists. The membership now consists of dynamic and lively involvement with the visual terminates classes every 40 minutes. Along with
leading art schools, college and university art arts. worry about grades and credits, such practices
departments, organizations, and artists and Another association with a large membership are hardly conducive to creative involvement
designers from all regions of the United States. is the College Art Association. The Association and experience within the twentieth century.
This group has assumed increasing meets annually in different cities in America. Maybe, because America has such a short
responsibility for the development of Each January, herds of eager job hunters
educational standards in art and has
contributed greatly to the feeling of mutual Corcoran School of Art 1st year students Balloon Event
understanding and respect which now exists May 1972, with Lincoln Memorial and pool. Photo: L. C. Smith
among art schools in this country.
Among its objectives the Association states
that, 'In no other educational field is conformity
to some pre-established pattern less desired.
The creative arts are necessarily rooted in
subjective and explorative experiences, which
may with equal promise follow divergent paths,
all of which may lead to worthy goals. Worthy
goals must be identified and adopted by the
school. The means of achieving them are
within the discretion of each school'.
If the Association can concern itself with
innovative attitudes and creative processes, and
avoid becoming a conservative establishment,
the aim will be achieved of becoming a national
forum for art education.
The Association holds an annual conference
for Deans and Presidents. Issues recently
discussed include freedom versus discipline,
the structure and content of first-year
programmes, the integration of academic
programmes and art history with studio courses,
and art within the liberal arts programme.
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