This paper explores questions associated with chaos theory as it relates to problems in the arts. It reviews the work of several scholars including Minai, Eckersley, Pickover, the Kirsches, and the Molnars. The document directs special attention toward three basic areas in art and design education, which are: (1) the integration of the computer into the practice of the fine arts (as separate from computer assisted design) as a conceptual and a creative tool; (2) the implications of chaos theory for design and aesthetic theory; and (3) the challenge of chaos theory for modern and post modern movements in art and design. The paper concludes with some remarks about the nature of randomness and the relationship of order and chaos in design theory. It concludes with observations about the limitations of present theory of the elements and principles of design. It attempts to apply elements of the three disciplines of cognitive psychology, Gestalt theory, and computer science to educational as well as artistic problems in areas of art and design education. (Contains 18 references.) (Author/SG)