Philosophy+on+Art+Education

Art impacts the world around us whether it is a person, place, or a point of view one may have. Art is a means of self expression, a way for someone to reveal their innermost thoughts. If asked why art is important for education most would answer in words like these, but it is so much more. Art to me is how, we as humans, perceive the world around us, interpret our lives, and contemplate the reasons why we are who we have become. I have studied art history and observed that most of our world’s history has been documented through art. Art has been used for reflections of cultures, a way of story telling, and communicating with others since the beginning of time. Archeologists have discovered cave paintings done by ancient civilizations. They have noted that these ancient people used these paintings to communicate ideas and beliefs. Not only does art convey ideas and beliefs, but it has been an educational instrument through out the ages. Renaissance artists were hired to paint frescoes of biblical stories so that everyone, literate or illiterate, would be able to interpret the bible. Demonstrating how art has affected our world’s history is one way that I, as an art teacher, will be able to engage students with historical information they may not have known before.
 * Philosophy on Art Education **

As an art educator it will be my duty to teach students about the world and the world of art simultaneously. I will be able to help students channel their creativity and communicate their ideas to make art that is personal and meaningful. It is important to me that the students experience a greater art creation process. Students will be able to collaborate with their peers and use their talents to benefit the community. Whether they are painting a mural, making art to raise money for a cause, or decorating thank you cards, students need to be involved with the community they reside in. I want them to leave their mark on the world. A rt education serves as an important outlet for students to explore their own ideas, feelings, and talents. As a teacher, the integration of the arts is important to me because students have different learning styles. If my students are currently studying geometry in math class or action verbs in language arts, I want to incorporate those concepts into my art lessons. I want all my students to experience diverse types of art including dance, performance, and music. This will give my students an opportunity to explore one idea from a variety of mediums and art methods. Given the chance, I feel that my students will comprehend what they are learning on higher levels. Students will become educated viewers and makers of art by observing, discussing, and writing about art. This exposure to the arts will shape who my students are and who they will become.