Date of Award

5-2014

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Campus-Only Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Interdisciplinary Program

Advisor

Carol N. Toner

Second Committee Member

Laurie Hicks

Third Committee Member

Mary Fusaro Evans

Abstract

Public art is an important part of the landscape of the United States, and it has many historical, inspirational, spiritual and educational purposes. This project examines the definition of public art and controversies that have arisen from its presence, including public art in Maine. It also explores the importance of public perception of and response to public art, and selected examples of public art projects. This project finds that the controversies that surround public art offer the public in general and art educators in particular opportunities to consider the intersection of the creative process and the social/historical context of the works. It proposes that art educators embrace public art as a teaching tool, and help students and the public understand place, history and art.

Download

Share