Abstract
Purpose. The first purpose of this exploratory study was to determine what, if any, cultural values are conveyed through the visual arts expressions of selected American Indian artists, as identified by the artists. A second purpose was to determine in what ways might identification of these shared cultural values expressed through visual arts be translated into the development of art curriculum and teaching methodologies for use by teachers and teacher educators. Methodology. The research was descriptive. This exploratory study was conducted beginning with a roundtable discussion consisting of five American Indian artists and an American Indian facilitator. Narrative data, collected from both the roundtable discussion and follow-up telephone interviews, were analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The NUD.IST statistical program and qualitative content analysis of the transcripts from the roundtable and follow-up interviews, were used to create a hierarchical index system of topic areas. The topics for analysis were formulated from categories such as American Indian cultural values and the ways in which these values might be conveyed in art curriculum and teaching methodologies. Findings. Shared cultural values were cited by the artists in the study and were conveyed in their visual expressions and narrative comments. The shared cultural values cited paralleled American Indian cultural values found in the literature. Connections were made among the identified cultural values, traditions, influences, and ideas for art curriculum and teaching methodologies by the artists in the study. The development of cultural understanding among all people, recognition of multiple ways of learning, use of art experts, establishment of a positive climate, and opportunities for experiences in art education were cited by the artists as important for both the development of art curriculum and teaching methodologies. Conclusions. Cultural values can be accessed through the visual art works of American Indian artists. The identification of American Indian cultural values through visual arts expressions includes recognition of cultural influences, cultural traditions, and the product creation process. Use of multiple ways of learning, such as sharing, watching, doing, listening, and demonstrating are important teaching methodologies in the design of curriculum for American Indian students.