THE TEACHING OF ART RELATED TO THE HOME
Section I
INTRODUCTION
All art is life made more living, more vital than the average man lives it—hence its power. Taste, unlike genius can be acquired; and its acquisition enriches personality perhaps more than any other quality.—E. Drew.
Professor Whitford[ 1] bases his book, An Introduction to Art, on two hypotheses: "(1) That art is an essential factor in twentieth century civilization and that it plays an important and vital part in the everyday life of people; (2) that the public school presents the best opportunity for conveying the beneficial influence of art to the individuals, the homes, and the environment of the people."
In keeping with this present-day philosophy, the introduction of art instruction into the public schools is increasing. Through the influence of home economics, a field of education in which there is an urgent need and wide opportunity for practical application of the fundamental principles of art, art instruction is finding its way into many of the small schools as a definite part of the vocational programs. Whitford[ 2] refers to this present-day trend in home economics as follows: