Aesthetic Experience and the Construction of Meanings

by Michael Parsons


I have known Ralph Smith since the late sixties, when I went to the University of Illinois as a graduate student and he arrived as an Assistant Professor. He has been a good friend since that time, generous, supportive, and interesting to talk with. So it is a pleasure to write about him. He has been a major influence in thinking about art education in North America for all these years and has consistently articulated a point of view of central importance in our field. And I have always found that discussion with him means wrestling with important issues.