Visual Inquiry - 2-3: Documenting Contemporary Art Education Histories, Dec 2023

The following article is about the life, ideas and experiences of art educator Dr Kristin Congdon. Throughout her life, she showed an interest in art, ultimately challenging institutional representations of under-represented groups, such as females, as well as people of colour. Her journey led her to study the work of folk artists. This important topic brings to light the fact that this group has been under-represented globally throughout history. She had trouble finding a university that believed folk art was important enough for her to study for her Ph.D. Ultimately, she was mentored by Dr June McFee at the University of Oregon, where she received her Ph.D. in art education, studying a theoretical approach for teaching folk art in an educational setting. The following information was collected during a phone interview with Kristin Congdon on 24 January 2023 and in an e-mail dated 24 February 2023. She is currently a professor emerita of philosophy and humanities in the Department of Art, Film and Philosophy at the University of Central Florida.

Dr Christine Ballengee-Morris is a renowned art educator, author and researcher whose contributions have significantly impacted the field of art education. Dr Ballengee-Morris has dedicated her life to empowering her students to explore and express their artistic voices. This article explores Dr Ballengee-Morris’s life, educational philosophy and legacy as a pioneering figure in the world of art education. Through a phone interview, on 27 January 2023, we discussed her childhood, career trajectory and inspirations in art education. We also examine her views on progressivism and the role of experience and activity in education.

Dr G. James Daichendt is an art critic, art historian, art educator and arts administrator, living and working in San Diego, California. This article explains the biographical history and ideas of this unique arts scholar celebrating both Jim the person and Dr Daichendt the arts academic. Through an interview on 2 February 2023, we discussed his childhood, people and ideas that influenced his philosophy of art education.

People are equally moulded into who they will become by negative as well as positive experiences throughout their lives. From growing up in a rough neighbourhood, to being bused to an all-white school, to dealing with an abusive father, a resilient character developed into Dr James Haywood Rolling Jr, from an early age. These difficult events laid key foundations which shaped him and gave him the fuel to help others see potential in their own lives. This article, compiled from his various published writings, including his memoir Growing up Ugly, is a biography documenting his current life events, and how these events influenced his beliefs and ideas found in his writings.

The purpose of this article is to reveal the life and ideas of Dr Jeffrey Bryan Grubbs. The following biographical information came from three 2023 interviews with Dr Grubbs and some of his presentations and writings. Everyone has a story to tell, and for Dr Grubbs, it is a story to combine his Christian faith with art education. His lifetime struggle to combine art and faith ultimately materialized into a unique model of art education called a ‘theological art education’, serving communities focused on religious orthodoxy education.

The following interview took place on 24 January 2023 by phone with Dr Kristin Congdon. She speaks about her life, ideas and experiences as an art educator and author. Throughout her life, she showed an interest in art, ultimately challenging institutional representations of under-represented groups, such as females, as well as people of colour. Her journey led her to study the work of folk artists. This important topic brings to light the fact that this group has been under-represented globally throughout history. She had trouble finding a university that believed folk art was important enough for her to study for her Ph.D. Ultimately, she was mentored by Dr June McFee at the University of Oregon, where she received her Ph.D. in art education, studying a theoretical approach for teaching folk art in an educational setting. She is currently a professor emerita of philosophy and humanities in the Department of Art, Film and Philosophy at the University of Central Florida.

This interview transcription with Dr Christine Ballengee-Morris explores her journey in art education, beginning with her childhood experiences and leading to her distinguished career as an educator, mentor and advocate for integrated curriculum. The conversation touches on her early exposure to art through family traditions, her pivotal decision to transition from accounting to art education, and the influential figures and experiences that shaped her educational philosophy. Dr Ballengee-Morris reflects on her commitment to collaboration, storytelling and Indigenous ways of knowing, emphasizing the importance of relationships in the educational process. The interview also delves into her legacy, the meaningful mentorships she has experienced, and her encounters with Paulo Freire, providing insights into her teaching philosophy influenced by liberation pedagogy. The interview captures a narrative of passion, resilience and a commitment to transformative education.

Dr G. James Daichendt is an art critic, art historian, art educator and arts administrator, living and working in San Diego, California. Through an interview on 2 February 2023, we discussed his childhood, people and ideas that influenced his philosophy of art education. The interview captures the biographical history and ideas of this unique arts scholar celebrating both Jim the person and Dr Daichendt the arts academic.

In these interview transcripts, Jamie Ong engages in an in-depth conversation with Dr Jeffrey Bryan Grubbs, delving into the personal aspects of his life. The interview explores Dr Grubbs’s experiences, challenges and pivotal moments, offering a unique glimpse into the person behind the profession. Through this exchange, the student seeks to understand the teacher's life journey and interest in theological art education. The dialogue creates a meaningful narrative of Dr Grubbs’s life and research over the years.