Why Art?

A teacher at my children’s school posed some questions to get parental thoughts about art education. I found the questions stimulating and they moved me to reflection. Here are my thoughts.

Why is art an essential component of a child's education in America today?

Art classes present a unique opportunity to explore learning in a forum that most children and parents will see as fun. Participating in school should be enjoyable and when art teachers demonstrate how, so called, “hard” principles of math, history’s horrors and complex social issues can be explored, communicated and understood through art, the entire curriculum becomes synergistic and supportive. Too many times we encounter the need to emphasize either science, or the humanities, or the arts. Art classes can play a key role in unifying all of these education disciplines; and all the while the kids are having fun and the adults are inspired by the insights the children continually display.

How has your child benefited from the education your child has received in art at Monticello Academy?

Monticello has taught great foundation concepts in many areas of art exploration. These include drawing, oils, water colors, sculpting and other media. I didn't learn it from Monticello, but recently I was introduced to the idea that art isn't drawing, or painting, or sculpting, but it is seeing. Monticello has taught my children basic skills to help them see the world in a way that allows them to recreate it in either a realistic or interpretive style, depending on the comment they are trying to express. These skills show up in obvious ways, like drawing and illustrations, but they become apparent as they write stories, work on projects, and the way they interpret their very lives. Because they can see their world and know that they can share what they see in many ways, my children’s lives are blessed and they regularly bless others.

I am also interested in your concerns. Why might a parent be concerned that art is integrated into his/her child's education?

Art can express powerful ideas. Sometimes these ideas can be presented in an order that creates emotional and psychological dissonance. In a classroom setting, every child presents at different stages of development. Art lends itself to depictions of abuse, thoughts of suicide, social change and many other topics that art teachers and art classes are not prepared to adequately addressed. I would be surprised to meet any art teacher who hadn’t had to prematurely address concepts of substance abuse, racism, domestic violence and even the horrors of war to an audience that wasn’t prepared to process those issues. I suspect most teachers aren’t trained as therapeutic professionals to deal competently with those scenarios.Teachers must strive to find the balance that allows students to freely explore and create works of art that permits self-expression while allowing ordered and constructive personal development.

I hope these thoughts help you and I wish you the best as you teach others to use art well.