During this past year a vast number of art shows have been exhibited across the United States. Their most striking features were their range and diversity. Here are some comments on Ben Shahn's paintings and photography focusing on social realism, some works by the Polish Constructivists, interested in redefining form in relation to space, the…

Parallels in the artistic expression of twentieth century painters and some mentally retarded persons are described, and the value of spontaneous creation for the retarded is emphasized. (CL)

Notes that educators often view art as an intellectually shallow, mechanical process. Describes Sir Joshua Reynolds's concept of invention as the intellectual combination of placing the painter's mental picture of actions, expressions, and characters on canvas. Calls for educators to stress intellectual qualities of art in order to develop…

This article describes how a secondary teacher used a camera to photograph his students while working on one- and two-point perspective. It is maintained that the use of the camera provided a new regard for the students and a new respect for what both they and the teacher were doing. (JDH)

Inquiry in art is proposed as a model of the predominantly cognitive behaviors that are involved in producing visual art. The model behaviors are: set a direction, discover, visually analyze, classify, personalize, hypothesize, reorder, synthesize, and evaluate. These behaviors provide the basic structure for a teacher questioning strategy…

By displaying slides or prints of paintings, by reading and discussing related poems, and by having students write their own poems on what they see, teachers can expose art students to a new view of poetry and visual arts. A list of poems and paintings to compare is included. (RM)

Vincent Van Gogh's painting "The Starry Night" is discussed, and ways that an art teacher can use this painting as a resource for learning are suggested. Specific activities to use with elementary and secondary students are included. (RM)

Proposes four principles of critical dialog designed to suggest a consistent pattern of preparation for criticism. The principles concern the characteristics of the intended audience, establishing the goals of art criticism, making a commitment to a context of relevant dialogue, and clarifying one's concept of art in qualifying an object for…

The author describes programs of the National Committee, Arts with the Handicapped, including the Very Special Arts Festival program for the visual and peforming arts and Project REAP (Retirement with Enrichment, the Arts and Purpose), which uses retired volunteers in arts education of disabled children and adults. (CL)

The article reviews Guam's Gifted and Talented Education Program which serves talented students in the visual and performing arts as well as academically gifted students (K-12). GATE features cooperation with visual and performing artists and local nonprofit corporations. (CL)

By studying the painting "Pittsburgh Memories" by the Black artist Romare Bearden, student in grades K-3 learn that artists use their visual memories of real places and people when they make art. The students also learn how various types of space are depicted in a semi-abstract style. (RM)

An art activity featuring ballerinas in classic poses and costumes was extended by a visit to an exhibit on Edgar Degas. Hearing impaired students shared their impressions of another traveling exhibit with French students via computers. (CL)

Discusses how art can be used to help teach students about the social factors that accompany the getting and spending of energy. Reviews the social issues that have been reflected in American painting during various historical periods. Reveals a portrait of ever-increasing energy use and its shaping of social institutions. (DMM)

There are five categories of titles of paintings: descriptive, narrative, directive, poetic, and arbitrary. When children title their work they give clues to its intent and challenge the presuppositions that adults may bring to children's art. Titling can expand students' ideas for painting and provide a greater variety of approaches. (CS)