The purpose of this article is to critically explore the concept ofaesthetic experience, as discussed and developed by John Dewey inhis work Art as Experience (1934). This is done by examining thelinks between Dewey’s concept of experience in general, and itsepistemological basis, and his specific concept of aesthetic experience. Special attention is paid to Dewey’s distinction between art asproduct and art as work, and what function, according to Dewey,art might have for individuals and communities. Finally, the educational implications are discussed, particularly in relation to theabove-mentioned distinction in Dewey’s theory of aesthetics.