ART EDUCATION

“I have taught many university courses over the years. The first day of class I tell the students that they have all passed the course. There are no examinations at the end of the semester. I am not interested in what dates or names they remember.”

“I never teach with a textbook. I tell my students I will give them a list of books to read in their old age, when they are too old to get around to museums and galleries. I want them to have a wonderful experience. Now, while you are young and strong, go out and look and experience. Be humble. Don’t say “you call that art?” Come back again and again. Soon there will be communication, because you have reached out for understanding.”

“I have my students work with art materials in all my courses because I believe, as Rousseau said, “A child may forget what he sees, and sooner still what is said to him, but he will never forget what he has made.”

“I am an artist and an art educator. I love both careers. I don’t believe you are really an artist unless you have a concept to share. On the other hand, you are not a good art educator unless you are a functioning artist and have the challenges of the artist before you. An art educator, with skills and capabilities to give the world, is twice blessed.”

Temima Gezari's book Footprints and New Worlds is an extraordinary collection of her experiences with children, her teaching methods, and her revolutionary approach to inspiring and motivating young children. This delightful book reveals an entirely new approach to teaching young children, young adults, and adults alike.

Her book Art and Education is memoir summarizing her philosophy of art education, and experiences in 60 years of teaching.

Click here to read parts of Footprints and New Worlds

“I am an artist and an art educator. I love both careers. I don’t believe you are really an artist unless you have a concept to share. On the other hand, you are not a good art educator unless you are a functioning artist and have the challenges of the artist before you. An art educator, with skills and capabilities to give the world, is twice blessed.”

“The creative process gives meaning to life. When we finally learn that we are creative, we have an altogether different feeling about ourselves. When we feel good about ourselves, we feel good about our neighbors. This can lead to a peaceful world, where artist can create for the aesthetic pleasure of all people.”