Experiential Pathways to Infusing Spirituality in Pre- Service Art Education

This paper addresses diverse approaches to researching spirituality in art education. It then argues for the importance of such research today, given current controversies related to religion, and the general divisiveness that increasingly imperils public education along with other aspects of society. As we assert, addressing spirituality through art can help connect students rather than divide them, enabling them to find common ground through learning about art and through the experiences of making it. Each of these issues will be discussed in considering the following research agendas: definitions of spirituality, contemplative practice, and relations between spiritual traditions, East and West.