Meaning Making Through "The Art of Natural History": A Constructivist Approach
(Book - Regular Print, Online Content)

ProQuest Document ID: 1652539353

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 54-03M(E).

Advisors: Deborah Ford Committee members: Thomas L. Fleischner; Ellen Greenblum.

M.A.,Prescott College,2014.

This study explores how a gallery exhibition can be designed and produced to deepen personal connection and enhance meaning making for the viewer. Based on Constructivist theory explored through works of George Hein, John Falk and Lynn Dierking, and further enhanced by the ideas of Elliot Eisner and Rudolph Arnheim, among others, this study specifically seeks to enhance understanding of how and why people learn in free-choice learning environments such as college art galleries and museums. Additionally, this study seeks to illuminate and enhance the connections between natural history and art through the gallery exhibition of The Art of Natural History. Research was conducted to better understand potential opportunities for free-choice learning as well as increase opportunities to utilize historic artworks from the college's collection within a contemporary learning context. Data collected through the planning, production and post-production phases, including visitor surveys, participant observations, and action based research has been used to better understand the outcomes of The Art of Natural History exhibition at the Prescott College Art Gallery at Sam Hill Warehouse.

English