In Pursuit of Excellence: A View from the Field
by Kimm Stastny
We do not return to masterpieces again and again to prevent ourselves from committing what Ortega y Gasset in a frame of mind similar to Santayana's called the ingenuous mistakes of history, but to honor those rare moments of human accomplishment when excellence manifested itself. In this respect, our attitude is one that celebrates and pays homage to the past.
In April 2000 Ralph A. Smith was recognized by the National Art Education
Association (NAEA) as the National Art Educator of the Year. At a general
session of the NAEA national convention, he received a standing ovation
that lasted several minutes. He appeared surprised at first, then elated,
by the resounding sense of appreciation the participants demonstrated.
It was a special moment because Smith's professional colleagues embraced
the opportunity to publicly thank him for his extensive record of service
to the field of art education in particular, and to the aims of aesthetic
literacy in general. The applause was heartfelt and Smith was clearly
touched by it. As a member of the audience I had the pleasure of contributing
to the response. Now I have the honor of extending the recognition of
his work.
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