Today’s society is one that constantly overlooks the value of art. Schools all over the world target arts education with budget cuts, claiming that they must prioritize the more practical or traditional courses. What these schools don’t realize is the lessons and passion that is generated from art, allowing it to be just as important as any other subject. The arts have many practical benefits for growing minds. Involvement in art can foster creativity, confidence and collaboration.
There are many crucial life skills that can be refined through involvement in the arts, some of which include critical thinking, communication, motor skills and emotional expression. Participation in art can give a student an outlet to express themselves in a healthy, productive manner.
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences claims that arts education builds well-rounded individuals, allows for an understanding and appreciation of other cultures and histories, supports social/emotional development, builds empathy and acceptance, improves school engagement and strengthens communities. Arts education encourages students to channel their own perspectives and use their voice, as well as always strive towards growth. Not only can the arts encourage students to recognize their own perspectives, but they also push them to confront the perspectives of others.
“Art is a community,” photography teacher Taylor Wyeth said. “It’s not just a one-person show.”
Being involved in the arts allows for more social-emotional development and maturity. Wyeth explained how art can be both frustrating and exciting, and students can learn how to regulate their emotions as they are creating. This is a skill that becomes crucial to life outside of the classroom.
A foundation of art is sharing thoughts and projects with others; this is what creates social development. In arts education, the culture in the classroom is what allows students to socially mature. By seeing the work of their classmates and receiving constructive feedback, students are taught collaboration and to strive for improvement. Additionally, it teaches students how to both give and receive criticism. Art classes foster creativity and growth, allowing students to carry these qualities into adulthood.
“If you have ever thrown clay on a wheel, then you know it is extremely difficult and it builds a lot of character,” Wyeth said. “You watch someone do it and it looks super easy, but then when you get on the wheel it takes a lot [of effort].”
It is these lessons that students learn to problem-solve and allow them to be open to learning new or difficult skills. This will help them with future careers, as employers value individuals who are able to think outside the box.
Not only does art provide students with crucial life skills, but it also benefits their mental health and world view. Sophomore Jo Ramsey expressed how art has improved their life and has become integral to who they are.
“I can’t be apart from art,” Ramsey said. “It’s always going to be a part of who I am.”
Ramsey explained that art is very multi-dimensional. They feel that art has allowed them to think in different and unique ways, giving them new reference points and options for expression and inspiration. Ramsey described how art has made them less rigid and helped them realize that they benefit from taking mental breaks when faced with stress.
Ramsey also explained how art has altered their perception of life, allowing them to look at the world through a different lens.
“Art has definitely helped me see all the details and the small, beautiful things about [the world],” Ramsey said.
They described how art has also made them less of a perfectionist. Since there are no rules, Ramsey has learned to value creativity over analytics, letting their brain wander and explore this different kind of thinking instead of stressing over details.
Art can benefit students in many ways, like improving their mental health and building skills that they will employ throughout their entire lives. Arts education builds well-rounded students who are ready to face a difficult future and who know how to problem solve in any difficult situation they may find themselves in, not just those pertaining to art. The arts provide students with countless practical benefits and have an essential role in education.
In Ramsey’s words, “Art, to me, means being myself. If art can be anything, then you can be anything.”
