Why is it important to teach art to high school students?
Why do most high schools that are accredited require an art credit?
Art is very important to a well-rounded education. Electives such as art generally fall outside of the main core subjects of academic study which are English, math, history, science and foreign language. But the visual arts are an intrinsic part of communication in all of these studies. Putting together an interesting presentation either in graphic arts or media is a powerful tool of communication and the visual arts teach the elements and principles of art, so the sciences can be promoted. All of the core studies utilize the visual arts to teach. I have heard engineers, especially industrial and architectural engineers say they wish they had taken more visual art.
Especially in the technical world we live in, coming up with original ideas that are not created by a machine is very important. We hire an artist to come up with original ideas. It is my belief in the times we live in that encouraging creativity and original thinking is very important. When taking the AP Studio Art Class, AI is not allowed to be utilized. Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” When putting original ideas together visually, it is somewhat similar to putting things together and discovering a new formula. Out of the box thinking is very valuable for leadership.
Art history when taught with the elements and principles of art gives students an appreciation of culture and diversity among people.
Discovery of a gift or talent unknown can be the result of taking an art class. My husband had the experience of taking art in a high school class and was told he had no talent; he took an art class in college as a fluke and ended up finding out he had talent and using this discipline in his family therapy and counselor profession.
Opportunity to explore
The visual arts are an opportunity for students to explore all of their gifts and callings. Romans 11:29 says that the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.
Not all students learn in the same way. Taking art allows students to experiment with different learning styles and enables them to be knowledgeable about a subject that they might not have had any previous interest in. I remember a story about a young man who wasn’t interested in watering all of the family garden until his mother encouraged him to design and develop his own watering system and it was amazing to behold.
Some students are gifted and talented in one or more of the arts. In Exodus 35:1-5 we read about Bazalel being called by God to beautify the temple. If high school students can take an art history course or business course that is AP level, they can get an elective credit that is part of their college level electives requirement while still in high school. Art can generate the love of a life- long hobby.
In conclusion, it is very important to expose your high school student to an art education.
Sharon Jeffus (Guest Post)
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