A History of Art Education
If you graphed the history of art education, it would look much like rolling hills and valleys.
The times when art education has been popular in a society often correlated to the times when the society was most affluent. However, whether in good or bad times, art education has survived for thousands of years.
-
The Greeks
-
The first art classes were in the home. As a society, the Greeks valued art, but for many years there were no formal art classes. Instead, students learned art in the home through an apprenticeship program. As time changed and art collecting became popular, drawing became an essential part of a child's education.
Medieval Times
-
Art education took place in the churches during the Medieval times. Art education was transported to the nunneries and monasteries during the Middle Ages.
This was a time when the focus of society was on the Gospel. The artists were the nuns and monks whose drawings and paintings depicted religious themes. Workshops and apprenticeships were actually held in the monasteries. -
Italian Renaissance
-
Artists were considered almost divine. The Italian Renaissance was the golden age of art instruction. This was the time when Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo walked the earth, and artists were considered almost divine. Academies were established to train students in drawing, painting and sculpting.
The New World
-
At first, art in the New World was functional. At first, art in the New World was functional. Girls were trained in decorative art for the home, while boys were trained in drawing and architecture. Then, the idea of a common school began to be debated and with that debate came the argument for the inclusion of art education in the curriculum. Some who argued for art believed that it should be taught through rigorous practice, while others believed it should be taught through natural self-discovery. Both created foundations for future theories of thought concerning art education in America.
Roaring Twenties
-
Art, once again, takes its place of importance. Until the 1920s, art took a back seat to such major events as the Civil War and World War I, World War II. It was only in the 1920s that art made a revival. The focus of society went from mere survival to making a better society. Art, once again, took its place of importance.
Modern Times
-
Art education is included as a part of most educational institutions. Art education has progressed to the point that it is included as a part of most educational institutions. Many educators accept that an education in the arts can affect children's academic gains. As in times past, though, art education is still threatened by harsh economic times, and the methods for art instruction are still actively debated among its teachers.
-
References
- Photo Credit art image by Alhazm Salemi from Fotolia.com view of a typical greek home on the island of santorini image by Antony McAulay from Fotolia.com medieval church image by Chris Lofty from Fotolia.com da vinci kunst image by fuxart from Fotolia.com colonial kitchen image by george mai from Fotolia.com art image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com School Supplies image by ne_fall_photos from Fotolia.com
