Beyond Measure: Mastery, Identity, and Creativity in Adult Arts Education
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| Title: | Beyond Measure: Mastery, Identity, and Creativity in Adult Arts Education |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Garry Nicholson |
| Source: | International Journal of Education & the Arts. 2026 27(4). |
| Availability: | International Journal of Education & the Arts. 1310 South 6th Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 402-472-9958; Fax: 402-472-2837; Web site: http://www.ijea.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 22 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Adult Education |
| Descriptors: | Adult Education, Art Education, Creativity, Foreign Countries, Art Teachers, Mastery Learning, Self Concept |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom (England) |
| ISSN: | 1529-8094 |
| Abstract: | This article explores the role of adult creative arts education in shaping mastery, identity, and creativity. Drawing from the work of the Pitmen Painters and educational theorists such as Elliot Eisner, Jal Mehta, and John Dewey, the small-scale study investigates the practices of seven tutors working in adult community learning in Northeast England. Findings reveal that mastery involves continuous refinement through creative exploration, identity formation is deeply connected to personal and cultural narratives, and creativity thrives when learners are empowered to take risks and innovate. The article counters the dominance of standardization in education by instead exploring the immeasurable aspects of creative arts learning that are critical to fostering agency and self-expression. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506014 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This article explores the role of adult creative arts education in shaping mastery, identity, and creativity. Drawing from the work of the Pitmen Painters and educational theorists such as Elliot Eisner, Jal Mehta, and John Dewey, the small-scale study investigates the practices of seven tutors working in adult community learning in Northeast England. Findings reveal that mastery involves continuous refinement through creative exploration, identity formation is deeply connected to personal and cultural narratives, and creativity thrives when learners are empowered to take risks and innovate. The article counters the dominance of standardization in education by instead exploring the immeasurable aspects of creative arts learning that are critical to fostering agency and self-expression. |
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| ISSN: | 1529-8094 |
