As an artist, educator, writer and passionate advocate for the power of visual culture, I’ve dedicated the past several decades to making, teaching and writing about art. More importantly, I’ve helped others discover their own connection to creativity.
A career rooted in creativity
As a painter, I’ve exhibited my work in galleries and museums across the country. I’m also part of a public art design team with nine completed projects, including a recent temporary mural at Los Angeles International Airport. My academic journey spans over forty years of teaching art at the university level. I now hold the title of Professor Emerita at the University of Southern California’s Roski School of Art and Design.
My experiences aren’t limited to studio practice and academia. I’ve written extensively about art since the 1990s, contributing exhibition reviews, catalog essays, artist interviews and books. Art is not just my profession — it’s the lens through which I live, think and connect with others.
About Exploring Art, 6e
The newest edition of “Exploring Art: A Global Thematic Approach” is now proudly in its sixth edition. It’s designed to be a student’s first step in their journey toward a viable and vibrant career path in art. Whether they aspire to be artists, designers, curators, architects, museum staff or digital creators, this title introduces them to the diverse fields that make up today’s art and design landscape.
Skills developed through art education are applicable beyond the arts. Marketers rely on visual messaging. Scientists identify patterns. Dentists match colors and carve forms. Art touches everything — and that’s a message I weave throughout the title.
Guiding principles of the textbook
While writing “Exploring Art,” I focused on four key goals:
- Connect visual culture to students’ everyday lives.
- Use clear, accessible language without sacrificing depth.
- Offer a balanced, inclusive perspective — historical and contemporary, Western and non-Western, fine art, design and craft.
- Provide practical tools for students’ future careers.
These priorities shape the title’s structure, tone and scope. It’s thematic, so it speaks to universal human concerns. It also encourages students to engage with the art around them, from street murals and fashion to architecture and internet culture.
Skills and tools for the future
If you’re teaching with this title, you’re not only providing students with a valuable knowledge set, but you’re also equipping them with:
- A visual vocabulary
- Familiarity with artistic elements, principles and materials
- A deeper appreciation of global art traditions
- The ability to analyze and create images in diverse contexts
- A pathway to personal and community engagement with art
These capabilities foster soft skills, such as critical thinking, adaptability and pattern recognition. All are highly valued across industries.
Enriching lives through art
“Exploring Art” aims to enrich students’ lives by inspiring meaningful reflection on the joys and challenges we all face. Whether they become artists or more art-aware citizens, they’ll carry these insights with them.
Thanks for joining me on this creative journey. And welcome to a world of personal and professional artistic discovery.
Written by Margaret Lazzari, University of Southern California’s Roski School of Art and Design.