INTRODUCTION

Art education in the 1950s is greatly influenced by the global social context of the time. Sputnik inspires a push toward a curriculum steeped in math and science, and creative self-expression is viewed as a way to increase creative thinking skills in math and the sciences. Social events such as the introduction of color television, McCarthy’s Communist witch hunt, Brown vs. Board of Education, and the appearance of Elvis Presley on television impact the arts in education.

1960-69 is a turbulent decade in American history. The Vietnam War and its protests, assassinations of numerous important public figures, and the burst of the entertainment and technology arenas characterize the 1960s. Events in general history are not directly impacting art education; however, art education is entering one of its most dynamic time periods. Research in art education increases dramatically and dozens of conferences and seminars are held regarding developments in art education.

 

Timeline of Important Events:

1950 - Korean War begins

1954 - Brown v. The Board of Education

1955 - Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

1957 - Russians launch Sputnik

1958 - NASA is formed

1961 - Vietnam War begins

1961 - John F. Kennedy becomes president

1963 - John F. Kennedy is assassinated

1963 - March on Washington for jobs and freedom

1965 - Voting Rights Act

1968 - Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated