Drawing upon rhetorical evidence of three art education activities in Worcester, Massachusetts at the close of the 19th century−The Public School Art League, evening drawing classes, and School Arts magazine−it is argued through this research that the many active facets of art education that occurred in Worcester at this time were constructed in great part as response to the economic climate of the city. This thesis argues that the activities were representative of art education for the improvement of public taste, patience, and the recognition of beauty. In this study, parallels are drawn between these three organizations and activities in Worcester, demonstrating many common initiators and motivations. Exploring art education motivations in Worcester at the turn of the 19th century, this investigation also advocates the need for the study of Japanese influence on art education activities in New England during this same period. / text