Art in the American University: Fact or Facade?

Abstract

In my experience, the remarks made by McNeil Lowry in 1961 to the Graduate Deans1 represent the most pertinent observations and recommendations ever made on the subject of art in the university. One decade later, the state of education in art on college and university campuses is overwhelming testimony to the perspicacity of his statements at that time. He accurately identified both the problems and their sources in a manner which today can only be reiterated and amplified. In short, professional education in the visual arts in colleges and universities has deteriorated and is becoming progressively more unrealistic. The time to redress these past failings is now. With present financial pressures, establishment of priorities within multi-campus systems, increasing enrollments and changing trends in education, there is already considerable reorganization under way. The role on campus for the artist, as well as education in the visual arts, should be carefully reexamined within the scope of broader changes ...