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Beyond Measure: Mastery, Identity, and Creativity in Adult Arts Education

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Title: Beyond Measure: Mastery, Identity, and Creativity in Adult Arts Education
Language: English
Authors: Garry Nicholson
Source: International Journal of Education & the Arts. 2026 27(4).
Availability: International Journal of Education & the Arts. 1310 South 6th Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 402-472-9958; Fax: 402-472-2837; Web site: http://www.ijea.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 22
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Descriptors: Adult Education, Art Education, Creativity, Foreign Countries, Art Teachers, Mastery Learning, Self Concept
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom (England)
ISSN: 1529-8094
Abstract: This article explores the role of adult creative arts education in shaping mastery, identity, and creativity. Drawing from the work of the Pitmen Painters and educational theorists such as Elliot Eisner, Jal Mehta, and John Dewey, the small-scale study investigates the practices of seven tutors working in adult community learning in Northeast England. Findings reveal that mastery involves continuous refinement through creative exploration, identity formation is deeply connected to personal and cultural narratives, and creativity thrives when learners are empowered to take risks and innovate. The article counters the dominance of standardization in education by instead exploring the immeasurable aspects of creative arts learning that are critical to fostering agency and self-expression.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506014
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: Beyond Measure: Mastery, Identity, and Creativity in Adult Arts Education
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  Data: International Journal of Education & the Arts. 1310 South 6th Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 402-472-9958; Fax: 402-472-2837; Web site: http://www.ijea.org
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Adult+Education%22">Adult Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Art+Education%22">Art Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Creativity%22">Creativity</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Art+Teachers%22">Art Teachers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mastery+Learning%22">Mastery Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Self+Concept%22">Self Concept</searchLink>
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  Data: This article explores the role of adult creative arts education in shaping mastery, identity, and creativity. Drawing from the work of the Pitmen Painters and educational theorists such as Elliot Eisner, Jal Mehta, and John Dewey, the small-scale study investigates the practices of seven tutors working in adult community learning in Northeast England. Findings reveal that mastery involves continuous refinement through creative exploration, identity formation is deeply connected to personal and cultural narratives, and creativity thrives when learners are empowered to take risks and innovate. The article counters the dominance of standardization in education by instead exploring the immeasurable aspects of creative arts learning that are critical to fostering agency and self-expression.
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      – SubjectFull: Art Education
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