Art as a primary part of a student’s core education is very necessary and important. Many aspects of growing up and being part of a larger society other than themselves can be acquired by being part of a well developed art community. This environment needs to start with the small child so their ingenuity and creative flow can be harnessed into a productive school career. The art room is more than a class of individuals, it is a community. Students can come together here to build supportive and positive relationships through interaction. In addition to a strong community, the teachers nurture the needs and give direction to the students so they may grow into cultured and prepared citizens of tomorrow’s community.
The art classroom provides a community environment, involvement, and interaction that other courses may lack. Within this environment, these students are encouraged to work in groups, talk about their projects, observe work, accept opinions and create freely without prejudice towards the content. Not only do they learn with each other but they learn from one another. During their critiques, whether it is about their work or a famous artist, they are learning to understand the larger art world. These critiques also provide constructive support which can help a student in need of self-esteem and motivation. The boost in morale can also help with their transition into a larger society. If a student feels success in one subject area, the motivation may carry through the rest of their subjects and change their attitude towards their own goals and school progress. Many students need an outlet for creativity and acceptance; art can provide that for all students.
Studios create a tolerant and civil realm for constructive criticism and a mature environment to speak one’s own opinion. Here, many opinions are allowed where as in other classes these opinions may not be a welcome freedom. Expression is very important in the creation of a student’s art work. Students need to feel comfortable to incorporate feeling, emotions and content into the artwork, and the constructive environment of the art class room can provide that outlet. The arts give opportunity for a diverse student body to come together as one. Opinions may differ but these opportunities lead to a mutual respect for difference in opinion. Many of these students may not have alternative involvement with other students other than in the art class, and their interaction is a necessary key for later in their life. Interaction through the arts can lead to better social skills because one must represent themselves as well as their art in a social setting, whether in a verbal, physical, or emotional sense.
Art enables us to speak through our creation instead of through our words. Expression and validation is an important aspect of a child’s development. With varying social skills within a room, producing art can help convey a message for the student that may not be likely to speak effortlessly in front of a group of peers. Community service is a great way to have the students become socially active and aware of their local environment. This service work can be integrated into the art curriculum and is a great learning tool for students. Community murals and art service projects are a great way to have students interact and acclimate to a more social setting. Being a part of a larger community and giving back can set a base for acceptance and esteem to grow.
The art curriculum can create creative problem solving skills. Students have to learn that there are alternative ways to come to a conclusion and through the creative process of art many paths can be taken. In the art classroom, students have to make the answers. There is no exact right or wrong way to create art. Objectives are set forth, but the student must perform to learn the process. Drafts are made and artists practice, which leads to the students taking on obstacles that they may have never faced before. They utilize many techniques until they find one that suits their aesthetic, project and ability. For some the process is just as important and the final process.
The actual creation of art gives the student a wealth of hands on knowledge. Techniques learned by the class take effort and practice to master. Tenacity and motivation keep the students on a path to success. Every student has a different level of success with each new skill set. However, personal success is sometimes measured by how much they pushed their boundaries not necessarily how well the final product was received. These skills can help prepare someone for a future job or show later possibilities. Because of safety considerations and tool maintenance, one must provide a proper level of care and environmental concern while using tools. Students are generally working in group areas and must maintain safe zones for all to inhabit. Learning proper use of the tools and skills shows responsibility, a vital life skill.
Art needs to stay in the class and be a part of the core curriculum because the students need this outlet for inspiration and constructivism. We need to have a society of confident, hard working, and creative adults and these classes afford that to the students. Art teaches us to persist and complete what we have started. We must persevere and find the proper way to proceed and complete the task at hand. A solid work ethic can carry through to many other opportunities in our adult life. Today’s society presents many opportunities but we need to prepare students to have a solid foundation from which to make a proper choice. Without Art as a primary focus in our curriculum, we are greatly penalizing our students by robbing them of a great opportunity to learn and grow as well rounded citizens.
