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Guiseppe 'Joseph' Frattallone

April 21, 2009

Dr. Guiseppe "Joseph" Frattallone, Western Michigan University associate professor emeritus of art and a key player in advancing art education at WMU as well as in Michigan, died April 17 in Paw Paw. He was 80.

Frattallone began teaching art and art education classes at the University in 1965 and retired in 1985 after 20 years of service. He was a freelance photographer and expert in photographic technology and equipment. His paintings and other art work have been exhibited throughout the Midwest.

While at WMU, Frattallone was instrumental in arranging field teaching experiences for art education students. His efforts in that arena helped the University develop into a model institution for Michigan's minimum performance objective in art. In addition, his dissertation research was used by the National Art Education Association as the fundamental reference work for creating its "Guidelines for Art Teacher Training Programs."

Frattallone served the Department of Art as chairman of the art education area in 1966-67 and 1973-74. He also revised the master's program in art teaching as well as advised both undergraduate and graduate students.

A leader or member of numerous committees and organizations, Frattallone was active in WMU's chapter of the American Association of University Professors, served stints as chairman of the art department's Advisory Council and its Recruiting Committee, and served on the Undergraduate Education Revision and Development Committee, which established the University's general education program.

Frattallone was a longtime member of numerous professional organizations, including the Michigan Association of Art Therapy, Michigan Education Association of Higher Education, National Art Education Association and National Association of Humanities Education. He also was heavily involved in his church and volunteered extensively in the Paw Paw and Van Buren County communities.

A Cincinnati native, Frattallone began his academic career as a high school teacher in Ohio, where for a time, he also taught private art classes as well as adult classes at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Frattallone earned both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Cincinnati in 1952, a Master of Education in Art from Miami (Ohio) University in 1962, and a Doctor of Education in Art from Indiana University in 1974.

A gathering honoring Frattallone's life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, at LaCantina Ristorante Italiano, 139 W. Michigan Ave. in Paw Paw. Graveside services will be held at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cincinnati.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Additional information is posted at lifestorynet.com on the Web page honoring Frattallone.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/news