art education fundamental to human development: lakehead professor

(december 2, 2008 - thunder bay, on) life imitates art far more than art imitates life. this famous oscar wilde statement contains the idea that the experience of life is modeled after a template provided by artistic works--that in an important way, art is prior to life, informing our experience, rather than depicting it after the fact. if this is true, then developing an understanding of and appreciation for art is key to living a fulfilled life. as a result, art education would be a crucial part of coming of age.

according to dr. fiona blaikie, newly elected president of the canadian society for education through art (csea) and professor of education at 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 , art education is indeed a fundamental part of human growth and development. "the naming of our association, the canadian society for education through art encapsulates a vision of education where the arts are seen as central, a jumping-off point for other areas in curriculum--a different conception of education from the one in place now," explains blaikie. "curriculum would be issues-based, where the many sides of an issue are explored in a more holistic way, rather than curriculum that views issues as compartmentalized and taught as discrete subjects."

in tough economic times, often the arts are among the first cuts made to education. "the canadian society for education through art supports and advocates for art education," blaikie says. "this is because the arts are central to the cultural heritage of every society. many art products transcend the cultures within which they were produced, affecting human beings in widely differing environments and at all social levels. the arts have the power to transform human experience, individually and universally."

csea membership represents all levels of education, schools, college/university, ministries of education, art galleries/museums, and community education. scea has direct partnerships with provincial associations such as the ontario society for education through art, and international partners including the united states society for education through art, the national art education association (usa), the national society for education in art and design (uk), the international society for education through art, and the united nations educational, scientific and cultural organization (unesco). csea publishes books, art education resources, and refereed scholarly journals.

csea members are dedicated to the advancement of art education, the publication of current thinking and action in art education, and the promotion of high standards in the teaching of art. as president of csea, blaikie will work to create and strengthen the organization's current ties, create new partnerships both nationally and internationally, and continue to advocate for quality art education in schools.

-30-

media: dr. fiona blaikie is available for media interview by calling lisa pelot, communications officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

about lakehead
lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. with a main campus located in thunder bay, ontario and a campus in orillia, ontario, lakehead has over 7,900 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the northern ontario school of medicine. in 2006, research infosource inc. named 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 canada's research university of the year in the undergraduate category. for more information on 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 , visit www.hsbcwebinars.com