Why Art Education is Important

       I'm currently studying art education at Concordia, where I hope to become a certified art specialist, to one day teach in academic institutions.

       Today's society underestimates the value of art in the academic curriculum. I however believe that children should be encouraged to develop their creativity, because imagination is extremely important in all aspects of life.

       Art education fosters individuals who are capable of thinking outside the box, people who are able to express their thoughts, ideas and emotions. Art  encourages communication and allows the development of original ideas. Art allows people to be themselves, and it promotes individualism. People who are developed to the arts tend to become rebels, who aren't afraid to fight for their rights and to make this world a better place.

       Creative people are an asset to every field. They design the clothes we wear, the covers of our favourite novels, the story sketches of our favourite films, they design the characters and scenery of our favourite video games, they create the songs we listen to, the inventions we cannot live without, the advertisements we see, the activist posters, our favourite childhood cartoons, the stories we cherish, etc.

       People often assume that individuals who study art aren't smart enough however these are the very people who are able to see the world for what it truly is, and are able to fight to make it better. These people aren't afraid of society. These individuals are not for wealth, a motive that drives most other fields. Those who pursue the arts are brave enough to do something they love. It takes courage to devote oneself to a field which is not as respected as it once was.

       Creating art is proven healthy for the mind and spirit, for it gives freedom, a freedom to express oneself whether consciously or unconsciously thought visual means.

       Art encourages one to not conform, but to think for themselves. It allows a person to make a difference through creation. A world without art in it is not just aesthetically dull, but also an empty. Creation and imagination brings meaning , culture and beauty to our world.

       One thing to remember......NEVER underestimate the power of the artist!

Examples of Student Work
From my Lessons

Introductory Lesson
Self-Portrait Drawings by my Grade 5 Students

Lesson on Roman Mosaics
Animal Paper Mosaics (Grade 5)

Lesson on Optical Illusions
Toy Thaumatropes (Grade 5)

Lesson on Fable Characters

Animal Paper Puppets (Grade 5)

Lesson on Foreground, middle ground and background
The Landscape Collage (Grade 5)

Lesson on Leonardo da Vinci & the Renaissance
Invention Plans emphasizing different Perspectives (Grade 5)

Lesson on Illustration & Storytelling
The Narrative Comic Strip (Grade 5)

Lesson on Mandalas
(Seniors with Alzheimer's & Dementia)

Lesson about Patterns and Zentagles
The Animal Silhouette Zentangle Card (Seniors)