Abstract: As“the Great People’s Educator”(honored by former Chinese President MaoZedong), the contribution made by Tao Xingzhi (Tao Hsing-Chih, 1891-1946) to China’seducation is multifaceted. His thoughts and practice on the art education, however, are amongthe least explored and valued for the researchers on his education achievements. The art education of Tao Xingzhi are characterized by the following four aspects. Firstly, Tao attachesgreat importance to arts and artists, believing that art education is essential to aesthetic education and the artist would be the first perceiver of the world’s vicissitudes. Secondly, Tao firmly stands for that art education is part of the culture network, so art courses should be taken into the school-based curriculum. Thirdly, Tao repeatedly asserts that art education should be closely related to the mass and the mass education, and the art education designed for the mass must be the best. Fourthly, Tao calls for the mass participation and appreciation of the art creation, holding that a harmonious culture environment should be built up on the aesthetic spirit. Tao Xingzhi’s thoughts and practice on the art education have exerted great influence upon modern and contemporary education in China.

Key words: Tao Xingzhi; the art education; thoughts and practice; influence