Masters: Then and Now ForwardArt educators teach to share the purest language of humanity. Master artist and educator, Sister Helen Buening, has celebrated this pursuit for over a half century inspiring children of all ages. Masters Then and Now is a record of her own style of imparting the lessons of the universal and pure language of art. Designed for simplicity of use, the book will serve as a guide for classroom instructors, for home school instruction and for personal use of individuals. Objectives for each lesson are clearly stated. The works of master artists are presented as catalyst to the creative processes. Short lessons featuring art elements and art principles facilitate the activities outlined to engage the imagination and nurture creativity in the student artist. The lessons of the book represent a wide variety of interests and styles that foster growth of awareness in the budding artists. The master artist prints used in the text include ancient to contemporary masters, men and women, realists and surrealists, primitive and sophisticated. The lessons are multi-cultural including artists from different cultures of many countries and of several periods of history. Yet in spite of the variety, the lessons embody common everyday subject matter. They present ideas that stimulate and challenge the young artist to go from what is known to new ventures which will open minds, eyes, hearts and feelings. They awaken awareness to what is and create a new awareness of what could be. Most masters were from ordinary families. But they saw beauty in the ordinary-people., buildings, landscapes, all living things-and found a new way to express their ideas. They dared to be different, to awaken new and creative thinking. Sister Helen's commitment to aesthetics fuels the lessons as she weaves allegorical narratives, music and dance from the contextual clues of the master's art to empower young artists. Opportunities to examine ideas, memories and dreams present themselves in the process. Imaginations are tickled and intellects are expanded. I have seen students transformed by these lessons as they react with ignited. desire to create. Fantasy, invention and truth are the results as displayed in the student art works included in the book. Children develop voice with this instruction. Their ideas and emotions are validated when they recognize themselves in master works. This legacy is the language of art. My first and truest teacher of the arts, Sister Helen, has shared the essence of her teaching style in Masters Then and Now. I thank her for this gift.
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