Folkvine.org is a website that presents seven Florida folk artists, three guidebooks, and several scholarly bobble heads that make commentary on humanities topics, the artists, and their work. This article analyzes the website as an arts-based research project. Topics covered address issues of representation, translation, learning processes, and…

This article is based on nearly 25 years of working with and studying folk art and folk artists. While certified art educators and their university teachers may think they are inclusive in their understandings about art and learning processes, generally speaking, they are either unaware or tend to ignore folk artists' ways of understanding the…

In this article, we explore changing definitions of kitsch and simultaneously examine the relevance of kitsch to contemporary society. Using a number of examples, including a focus on kitsch related to September 11, 2001, we explore the current popularity of kitsch in society. We analyze the growth and influence of kitsch in everyday life and in…

States that the art of recycling has more to do with connecting people with objects, traditions, and rituals than sustaining the natural environment. Discusses some lessons learned in four categories: (1) recycling as self-sufficiency; (2) recycling as renewal; (3) recycling as a spiritual activity; and (4) recycling as aesthetic transformation.…

Illustrates the difficulty in trying to establish clearly defined categories between art forms. Addresses the problem through discussions of three artists: Malcah Zeldis, Mabel Burkholder, and Keith Haring. Suggests that a travel metaphor grants people a flexible and historically-oriented way to speak about artwork and art categories. (CMK)

Gives a brief history of Latin-American ofrendas, and describes the artistic and educational experiences related to organized ofrenda displays in various public settings in Florida in the early 1990s. Suggests guidelines for teaching about ofrendas and ways of respectfully participating in the cultural practices of others. (DSK)

Aims to foster among art educators and students an awareness of how many contemporary artists are promoting ecological restoration. Grounds these artists' work historically, and discusses its view of humanity as interconnected with nature. Offers suggestions for involving art educators and students in ecological theory and artistic creation. (DSK)

Briefly discusses some of the recent developments in the on-going controversy concerning pornography and the arts. Argues that much of the mainstream press coverage merely sensationalizes incidents (e.g., "Time" magazine's cover story on cyberporn and the furor over Calvin Klein advertisements) and encourages polarized opinions. (MJP)

Discussed are (1) the goals and practices of the Folk Artist in Education (FAIE) program, (2) the FAIE in relationship to the Artist in Education program criticisms, (3) improving FAIE programs, and (4) reasons for its support. (RM)

Rationales for multicultural education as an important aspect of art education are discussed. Multicultural education should show that we all are cultural individuals who use art as a communication system, and that people make different aesthetic choices and have varying value systems and lifestyles. (RM)

Discusses the 1985 symposium on "Multi-Cultural Approaches to Understanding and Appreciating the Arts," sponsored by the Division of Art Education/Art Therapy at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. Examines student reactions to the symposium which was designed to build and expand multi-cultural perspectives and enhance the concept of cultural…

Teaching art to female prisoners at the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) County Jail gave them a new method of communicating with each other and with the outside world. Despite the difficulties of working within a maximum security prison, there was an atmosphere of sharing among the inmates and between teacher and students. (IS)

Contends that art therapy promotes mental health beyond diagnosing and treating illness. Outlines four overlapping ways that art contributes to mental health: (1) giving people a sense of identity and place; (2) conferring status; (3) expanding and directing thought processes; and (4) utilizing the security of the rhythmic "takeover" phenomenon.…

This article investigates the use of folk speech in the art criticism of people who are not art professionals. Maintains that if folk speech is recognized and evaluated in the art classroom, art educators may help expand both the visual and verbal perceptions and expressions of students. (JDH)

Describes an exhibit which identified a community based aesthetic and the presentation of that aesthetic in a gallery setting (Bowling Green, Ohio). A questionnaire was used to help report the exhibition's objective. Findings suggest many approaches to both content and methodologies can be effectively used in the field of art education.…