Violette de Mazia believed that education is a lifelong activity of growth, development and change; that life and art are inextricably linked; that all human beings possess an aesthetic nature; and that enriching this aspect of our lives is a prerequisite to a cultured society. The Foundation is dedicated to the continuance of these principles and to the vision of her colleague, Dr. Albert C. Barnes, to provide for a better society and the common good through education. The Violette de Mazia Foundation's mission is to promote, teach, study and advance the aesthetic philosophy  theories and experiential educational methods of art appreciation developed by John Dewey, Albert C. Barnes and Violette de Mazia.  Based on their objective method of art appreciation, our courses show students how to objectively look at works of art, as well as the world around them.