Community Based Aesthetics as Exhibition Catalyst and a Foundation for Community Involvement in Art Education

Abstract

“Boats, Bait and Fishing Paraphernalia: A Local Folk Aesthetic” was an exhibit coordinated by the authors to explore potential aesthetic qualities of a range of functional objects. Members of the local fishing community worked together to identify a community based aesthetic and to curate an exhibit which would present that aesthetic to the public Attendees completed questionnaires designed to help report on the exhibition's objective: to promote community involvement and aesthetic representation. Results of a statistical analysis of questionnaire responses revealed that the exhibit attracted widespread interest and support, and that the goals of the exhibit were accomplished. Findings from the questionnaire suggest that many approaches to both the content and methodologies can be effectively used in the field of art education.