Great Moments in Art Education History
Mary Ann Dwight was a private school teacher who believed anyone could learn to draw. A generous amount of time diligently studying her father’s books, prepared Dwight for writing her own. She wrote books on topics such as mythology, astronomy, and poetry but is best known for her books about art. In 1856-57, Barnard’s American Journal of Education published a series of Dwight’s articles on art education. Dwight’s book Introduction to the Study of Art, published in 1956, has been reprinted numerous times. She said drawing should be taught as meticulously as mathematics and stressed that the study of art should be built on scientific principles discovered in nature. Dwight recommended all teachers should learn how to draw in order to pass on drawing skills to their students. These abilities were important for economic advancement as well as mental refinement, according to Dwight. She also believed copying from the work of others was not an effective choice in that it limits the student’s ability to think on their own, suppresses creativity, results in superficial skills, and hinders the development of conceptual art making.
In 1858, the same year in which she passed away, Mary Ann Dwight established a school in Hartford, Connecticut for artists, teachers, and art judges.
Resources
Dwight, M. A. (1866). Introduction to the study of art. New York: D. Appleton & Company, 443 & 445 Broadway.
Stankiewicz, M. A. (2001). Roots of art education practice. Worcester, MA: Davis Publications (pp. 5, 6, & 86).
In 1858, the same year in which she passed away, Mary Ann Dwight established a school in Hartford, Connecticut for artists, teachers, and art judges.
Resources
Dwight, M. A. (1866). Introduction to the study of art. New York: D. Appleton & Company, 443 & 445 Broadway.
Stankiewicz, M. A. (2001). Roots of art education practice. Worcester, MA: Davis Publications (pp. 5, 6, & 86).
My Personal Art History
Upon the completion of “My Personal Art History” project, I discovered the large role my family has played in my creative, artistic success and endeavors; even more than I had previously realized. I have always been aware of the family support and influence of my artistic side, but I didn’t realize the extent until this week. The picture above is of me creating with play dough. I had read Curious George and figured out how to make paper boats and hats that day as well. I have taken off my uncomfortable dress after church and was enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon in our cozy family room.
My earliest memories of any sort of art would have to be the musical talents of my mother, Cassandra. She still has the most beautiful voice of anyone I have ever heard. To add to her musical gifts, she is a very talented pianist. For as far back as I can remember my mother played the piano. She taught me the basics but also sent me to another piano teacher to ensure I had the best. One of the few things that helped me relax and go to sleep was listening to my mom play Claire de Lune in the evening. To this day, it is my favorite piece for her to play. Watching her is as beautiful as listening to her. She gracefully moves her hands and fingers, yet acquires her entire body into the performance. I actually feel and see the music coming from her entire being. With my mother, I also went to the town chamber singers as well as her church choir rehearsals and performances. It was never anything I questioned or disliked. I just went and was part of experiencing a large variety of music. I believe the experiences and opportunities my mother exposed me to have given me an appreciation for all genres of music.
My grandmother, Mimi Ida, was also very talented. However, her talent was in the area of visual and applied arts. She was always making something and included me, along with my three cousins, on her newest creation. Macramé, painting murals and cabinets, creating puppets, and spending time at Ona’s Ceramics shop still bring back fond memories of growing up. The smell of a kiln firing, wet clay, and glazes from my own classroom still spark memories of Saturdays at Ona’s. With Mimi Ida, I was surrounded by opportunities to construct or create something. If we weren’t creating art, we were in the yard hunting for four-leaf clovers and flowers or playing funny hand-games. Mimi Ida wasn’t one for cooking or doing laundry, but she sure had an imagination and love for nature—which reminds me of the long Sunday afternoon car rides in the country.
Aunt Lettie was my great aunt who had a passion for writing and photography. I have spent hours and hours of my life reading her journals and examining her cameras, pictures, and slides. She modeled the importance of recording memories and beautiful shots of things she deemed important. One of her most unforgettable photographs was of her friend, Harry S. Truman, holding my father who was two at the time. The photograph was taken during one of Truman’s campaign visits. I use Aunt Lettie’s old cameras to teach the history of photography to my students. My students enjoy playing with her cameras all year long—even when we aren’t studying photography. My great aunt’s spirit lives on in my classroom.
When I was about 12, my mother asked me if I would like to take some private art lessons. I had taken many dance and twirling classes trying to mimic another of my mother’s talents, but to her dismay—I was just too shy to excel. Louise Boone was the most positive person I had ever met. She was upbeat, complimentary, and constantly encouraging. Although I experienced oil painting from her, I have to credit her for the majority of my teaching philosophy; “Can’t is a dirty four-letter word, you CAN do anything you put your mind to, and always find something good about your work.” Louise provided a friendly, caring, comfortable, positive, and safe environment in which to learn painting. I am very conscientious about providing the same environment for my students within my own classroom.
I am a product of the Rolla Public Schools. I am proud to say this, but sad to say the majority of my experiences in visual art were less than positive. As an elementary student, I was painfully shy. I was one who could have “fallen through the cracks” had my mother not been so involved in my education. Mom had provided me with all sorts of art supplies. She didn’t care if I made a mess, just as long as I cleaned it up. I especially enjoyed drawing Peanut’s Snoopy and Woodstock as well as creating things out of play-dough. I even hand stitched small pillows and clothes for my dolls, modeling my other grandmother; Mimi Hazel. Spirograph and Etch-A-Sketch were also favorites. But when it came to art at school, I remember feeling sad that everyone had to make their artwork match. I could easily accomplish the task of matching the teacher’s example, but not everyone could. I recall feeling sad for those children who didn’t get their project hung up or even thrown away if it wasn’t “right.” I always did what was expected because I wanted to please my teacher and didn’t want to be reprimanded. The most positive memory of art in elementary school for me was receiving an award for reproducing the “best” black and white logo.
Moving on to middle school art was a bit crazy. We only had art for one quarter and our teacher was very unpleasant. I don’t remember anything from that class but dodging flying art materials. It wasn’t the students throwing paintbrushes and paper—it was our teacher! If someone forgotten to clean something up, she would chuck it at us. I honestly recall being nervous she would throw scissors at us. The interesting thing is this very classroom is the one I teach in right now. I have been in this same building for 20 years. Six of those years have been in the classroom I feared as a seventh grader. The classroom furniture is basically the same, and the kiln-firing, glaze smell is certainly similar. I never dreamed I would be an art teacher. I definitely never had even a small thought that I might come back to Rolla Middle School to teach. I'm so thankful I did!
My experience in 7th grade art was so terrible; I did not take an art class in school again until I was in 11th grade. My junior year in high school, Mr. Strebeck was an awkward individual who smelled odd and had strange quirks. However, he was positive and encouraging in a quiet kind of way. He moved around the classroom constantly; offering one on one attention. Mr. Strebeck was present but also allowed us to be independent with space to work and create. The important lessons I model from my high school art teacher is the importance of connecting with my students and at the same time allowing independence. Also in high school, I took my first drama class. Although I was still shy, John Woodfin was an amazing educator. He easily capitalized on the unique gifts of each individual. I became part of the set and make-up designers. Even though I never even auditioned for an acting part, I would dream about having the lead role and forgetting my lines every time!
Because of my lack of positive art education in public school, I didn’t see art as my gift. I started my undergraduate work in the area of journalism. I loved to write and it came easy to me. Through journalism, I was also able to quench my thirst and interest in photography. Eventually I decided I didn’t want to be a journalist and my photography classes exposed me to the Fine Arts department at William Woods College. I fell in love with my art classes and admired all my art professors. They were positive, happy, and helpful and pushed me to unfold my hidden talents. While most students slept in the art appreciation and history classes, I couldn’t get enough! I became very fascinated with Georgia O’Keeffe and her work. Sadly, in 1986, her death became a controversial issue in the media as her lack of a will stirred many to pretend they were related to her in order to gain some of her estate. I remember thinking how terrible that was but also how cool! To live to be almost 100 and be able to work as an artist in a beautiful environment without worrying about the future could be wonderful.
I had a dream my junior year in college that I graduated with a degree in art. The only thing I could do with the degree in my dream was decorate cakes at the local bakery. I remember sitting on my grandfather’s foot stool telling him about my dream. My aunt, who was a teacher, was there. Her advice was simple; learn all you can about your favorite subject and teach it. It just made sense. My love for kids and my passion for art—it was a perfect combination!
Student teaching was rough. Carmen McEwen, my cooperating teacher, was a stickler for details. I learned to be specific and precise, but I also learned to allow my student’s individual creative expression. She was a veteran teacher who sponsored many art education student teachers. I am proud to say I was one of the few who earned an A under Mrs. McEwen’s watchful eye. My first year of teaching was much easier than student teaching! My first teaching stint was for four years in the small community of Licking, Missouri. Ellen Reynolds taught art kindergarten through 8th grade. I had the privilege of working with this seasoned veteran and was the other part of the art department educating grades nine through twelve. I also was in charge of the yearbook and social events that came with that. After I “paid my dues” at this wonderful small school, I was hired to teach 5th through 8th grade art and one journalism class. I currently teach 7th grade art and one middle school journalism class. I love my job, my colleagues, and my students. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Each of these events and people played an important part of determining who I am, not just as an individual, but as an art educator. The positive experiences gave me confidence while the negative ones taught me what not to do. One more important, but recent, discovery has given me even more confidence and certainty in my role and gifts as an artist/educator. Almost a year ago, my mother discovered her biological family. Upon meeting and getting to know them, I have come to the conclusion that more things are hereditary than environmental. I was excited and surprised to discover artists, educators, musicians, and photographers in my bloodline. Loving, intelligent, creative people have influenced my entire life and continue to do so. I am excited to share the positive influences on my children, students, and other people with whom I cross paths. The support and encouragement I have been blessed with as an artist/educator will continue through my life and work.
Below are my students! Over 900 students giving me the “thumbs up” sign! This year (2012) we beat the Guinness World Record for the longest thumb wrestling chain! Yes, I got on the roof to take the picture!
My earliest memories of any sort of art would have to be the musical talents of my mother, Cassandra. She still has the most beautiful voice of anyone I have ever heard. To add to her musical gifts, she is a very talented pianist. For as far back as I can remember my mother played the piano. She taught me the basics but also sent me to another piano teacher to ensure I had the best. One of the few things that helped me relax and go to sleep was listening to my mom play Claire de Lune in the evening. To this day, it is my favorite piece for her to play. Watching her is as beautiful as listening to her. She gracefully moves her hands and fingers, yet acquires her entire body into the performance. I actually feel and see the music coming from her entire being. With my mother, I also went to the town chamber singers as well as her church choir rehearsals and performances. It was never anything I questioned or disliked. I just went and was part of experiencing a large variety of music. I believe the experiences and opportunities my mother exposed me to have given me an appreciation for all genres of music.
My grandmother, Mimi Ida, was also very talented. However, her talent was in the area of visual and applied arts. She was always making something and included me, along with my three cousins, on her newest creation. Macramé, painting murals and cabinets, creating puppets, and spending time at Ona’s Ceramics shop still bring back fond memories of growing up. The smell of a kiln firing, wet clay, and glazes from my own classroom still spark memories of Saturdays at Ona’s. With Mimi Ida, I was surrounded by opportunities to construct or create something. If we weren’t creating art, we were in the yard hunting for four-leaf clovers and flowers or playing funny hand-games. Mimi Ida wasn’t one for cooking or doing laundry, but she sure had an imagination and love for nature—which reminds me of the long Sunday afternoon car rides in the country.
Aunt Lettie was my great aunt who had a passion for writing and photography. I have spent hours and hours of my life reading her journals and examining her cameras, pictures, and slides. She modeled the importance of recording memories and beautiful shots of things she deemed important. One of her most unforgettable photographs was of her friend, Harry S. Truman, holding my father who was two at the time. The photograph was taken during one of Truman’s campaign visits. I use Aunt Lettie’s old cameras to teach the history of photography to my students. My students enjoy playing with her cameras all year long—even when we aren’t studying photography. My great aunt’s spirit lives on in my classroom.
When I was about 12, my mother asked me if I would like to take some private art lessons. I had taken many dance and twirling classes trying to mimic another of my mother’s talents, but to her dismay—I was just too shy to excel. Louise Boone was the most positive person I had ever met. She was upbeat, complimentary, and constantly encouraging. Although I experienced oil painting from her, I have to credit her for the majority of my teaching philosophy; “Can’t is a dirty four-letter word, you CAN do anything you put your mind to, and always find something good about your work.” Louise provided a friendly, caring, comfortable, positive, and safe environment in which to learn painting. I am very conscientious about providing the same environment for my students within my own classroom.
I am a product of the Rolla Public Schools. I am proud to say this, but sad to say the majority of my experiences in visual art were less than positive. As an elementary student, I was painfully shy. I was one who could have “fallen through the cracks” had my mother not been so involved in my education. Mom had provided me with all sorts of art supplies. She didn’t care if I made a mess, just as long as I cleaned it up. I especially enjoyed drawing Peanut’s Snoopy and Woodstock as well as creating things out of play-dough. I even hand stitched small pillows and clothes for my dolls, modeling my other grandmother; Mimi Hazel. Spirograph and Etch-A-Sketch were also favorites. But when it came to art at school, I remember feeling sad that everyone had to make their artwork match. I could easily accomplish the task of matching the teacher’s example, but not everyone could. I recall feeling sad for those children who didn’t get their project hung up or even thrown away if it wasn’t “right.” I always did what was expected because I wanted to please my teacher and didn’t want to be reprimanded. The most positive memory of art in elementary school for me was receiving an award for reproducing the “best” black and white logo.
Moving on to middle school art was a bit crazy. We only had art for one quarter and our teacher was very unpleasant. I don’t remember anything from that class but dodging flying art materials. It wasn’t the students throwing paintbrushes and paper—it was our teacher! If someone forgotten to clean something up, she would chuck it at us. I honestly recall being nervous she would throw scissors at us. The interesting thing is this very classroom is the one I teach in right now. I have been in this same building for 20 years. Six of those years have been in the classroom I feared as a seventh grader. The classroom furniture is basically the same, and the kiln-firing, glaze smell is certainly similar. I never dreamed I would be an art teacher. I definitely never had even a small thought that I might come back to Rolla Middle School to teach. I'm so thankful I did!
My experience in 7th grade art was so terrible; I did not take an art class in school again until I was in 11th grade. My junior year in high school, Mr. Strebeck was an awkward individual who smelled odd and had strange quirks. However, he was positive and encouraging in a quiet kind of way. He moved around the classroom constantly; offering one on one attention. Mr. Strebeck was present but also allowed us to be independent with space to work and create. The important lessons I model from my high school art teacher is the importance of connecting with my students and at the same time allowing independence. Also in high school, I took my first drama class. Although I was still shy, John Woodfin was an amazing educator. He easily capitalized on the unique gifts of each individual. I became part of the set and make-up designers. Even though I never even auditioned for an acting part, I would dream about having the lead role and forgetting my lines every time!
Because of my lack of positive art education in public school, I didn’t see art as my gift. I started my undergraduate work in the area of journalism. I loved to write and it came easy to me. Through journalism, I was also able to quench my thirst and interest in photography. Eventually I decided I didn’t want to be a journalist and my photography classes exposed me to the Fine Arts department at William Woods College. I fell in love with my art classes and admired all my art professors. They were positive, happy, and helpful and pushed me to unfold my hidden talents. While most students slept in the art appreciation and history classes, I couldn’t get enough! I became very fascinated with Georgia O’Keeffe and her work. Sadly, in 1986, her death became a controversial issue in the media as her lack of a will stirred many to pretend they were related to her in order to gain some of her estate. I remember thinking how terrible that was but also how cool! To live to be almost 100 and be able to work as an artist in a beautiful environment without worrying about the future could be wonderful.
I had a dream my junior year in college that I graduated with a degree in art. The only thing I could do with the degree in my dream was decorate cakes at the local bakery. I remember sitting on my grandfather’s foot stool telling him about my dream. My aunt, who was a teacher, was there. Her advice was simple; learn all you can about your favorite subject and teach it. It just made sense. My love for kids and my passion for art—it was a perfect combination!
Student teaching was rough. Carmen McEwen, my cooperating teacher, was a stickler for details. I learned to be specific and precise, but I also learned to allow my student’s individual creative expression. She was a veteran teacher who sponsored many art education student teachers. I am proud to say I was one of the few who earned an A under Mrs. McEwen’s watchful eye. My first year of teaching was much easier than student teaching! My first teaching stint was for four years in the small community of Licking, Missouri. Ellen Reynolds taught art kindergarten through 8th grade. I had the privilege of working with this seasoned veteran and was the other part of the art department educating grades nine through twelve. I also was in charge of the yearbook and social events that came with that. After I “paid my dues” at this wonderful small school, I was hired to teach 5th through 8th grade art and one journalism class. I currently teach 7th grade art and one middle school journalism class. I love my job, my colleagues, and my students. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Each of these events and people played an important part of determining who I am, not just as an individual, but as an art educator. The positive experiences gave me confidence while the negative ones taught me what not to do. One more important, but recent, discovery has given me even more confidence and certainty in my role and gifts as an artist/educator. Almost a year ago, my mother discovered her biological family. Upon meeting and getting to know them, I have come to the conclusion that more things are hereditary than environmental. I was excited and surprised to discover artists, educators, musicians, and photographers in my bloodline. Loving, intelligent, creative people have influenced my entire life and continue to do so. I am excited to share the positive influences on my children, students, and other people with whom I cross paths. The support and encouragement I have been blessed with as an artist/educator will continue through my life and work.
Below are my students! Over 900 students giving me the “thumbs up” sign! This year (2012) we beat the Guinness World Record for the longest thumb wrestling chain! Yes, I got on the roof to take the picture!
Above is my homeroom class. They call me “mom” and I treat them like they are my very own!