Examining the contributions of art educator Erol Özden's life to art education

This research aims to examine the life, artistic production and contributions of Erol Özden, who stands out as an artist and art educator, with a multi-perspective approach. In this study, conducted with qualitative research method and narrative research design, detailed interviews and life and contributions to art education. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool; The obtained data were analysed using content analysis and descriptive analysis methods. The semi-structured interview form was developed by the researcher, and the interviews were conducted with a total of 32 participants, including 5 family members, 17 students and 10 colleagues, determined by purposeful sampling method. In addition, within the scope of the literature review, the artist's personal archieve, published and unpublished works and documents obtained from written sources were evaluated through document analysis. As a result of these comprehensive analyses, Erol Özden has a unique place in the field of Turkish painting and art education; It has been determined that he stands out as a disciplined, meticulous, creative and socially sensitive artist. The research findings show that Özden created value not only with his artistic production but also with his contributions to art education, which will inspire future art educators and comprehensively reveal the artist's versatile identity and educator stance.