Art Teacher Fired For "Butt-Art"

A US high school art teacher who sparked controversy when his off-hours work as a so-called "butt-printing artist" became known has been fired. The board reasoned that students have a right to receive their education in a positive learning environment free from distractions and disruptions. The teacher was suspended in December after objections were raised about his private abstract artwork, much of which includes smearing his posterior and genitals with paint and pressing them against canvas. His paintings sell for as much as $900 each on his Web site. The unique approach to art became a topic when a clip showing the teacher, wearing a fake nose and glasses, a towel on his head and black thong, turned up on YouTube.com. Irish Art