Dorothy Dunn and the Art Education of Native Americans: Continuing the Dialogue

Abstract

Dorothy Dunn was an influential figure in both the history of Native American art and the history of art education. This article examines Dunn's influences on Native American art and the art education of Native Americans. It also considers Dunn's views and art education practices in context of some theories and practices that shaped art education prior to World War II. In this continuation of the dialogue begun by Smith (1999) and Stokrocki (2000) concerning the art education history of the American southwest I discuss Dunn's art education theories in light of their effect upon Native American authenticity and ethnic identity. Dunn, a progressive art educator for her time, made herself an expert and definer of Native American art. Native American artists either used Dunn's theories as a means to creative positive ethnic identities for themselves or reacted against her influence to create new definitions of Native American art and identity.