Want a Job??
Want a job? Take Art. 2.8 million Americans work in the Visual Arts industry.
Nearly every product we buy has been developed by a designer or artist.
The creative sector will be worth $6.1 trillion internationally in less than 15 years.
More people are employed in the Visual Arts than in all of the performing art and sport industries combined.
Want to be a doctor? Take Art.
Top medical schools in the nation have their students studying works of art in order to appreciate that medicine is often more an art than a science.
Formal art observation training improves medical students' visual literacy, mind-eye connection, and diagnostic skills.
Nearly every product we buy has been developed by a designer or artist.
The creative sector will be worth $6.1 trillion internationally in less than 15 years.
More people are employed in the Visual Arts than in all of the performing art and sport industries combined.
Want to be a doctor? Take Art.
Top medical schools in the nation have their students studying works of art in order to appreciate that medicine is often more an art than a science.
Formal art observation training improves medical students' visual literacy, mind-eye connection, and diagnostic skills.
In the press..
Here's a quote from an article in the Boston Globe newspaper, September 2007: "While students in art classes learn techniques specific to art, such as how to draw, how to mix paint, or how to center a pot, they're also taught a remarkable array of mental habits not emphasized elsewhere in school. Such skills include visual-spatial abilities, reflection, self-criticism, and the willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes. All are important to numerous careers, but are widely ignored by today's standardized tests."
Why should someone take art classes?
An art class is beneficial in so many ways. Here are some of them…
- Art encourages higher order thought processes that are different than many traditional academics. In art, there is no one correct answer. Therefore, the student is forced to analyze the problem given to them and come up with their own unique solution. This type of creative problem solving is a valuable skill. Once students have learned this skill, they can use it to write English papers, design science experiments or even solve problems in their own lives, outside of school. American culture is fascinated with the new and different. Therefore, more than ever, employers are looking for innovative thinkers. Students that able to solve problems creatively have an edge in the job market.
- For many students, especially those who learn in nontraditional ways, art classes offer them a greater chance to excel in school. Art appeals to all senses. Art students see demonstrations of the process they are to complete, read or do research about the art, and then complete the process themselves. By incorporating all of these types of learning, students who put in the time will find success. Art is always hands-on. Nothing solidifies knowledge more than by actively completing a task. Although reading and writing are important in my art classes, the focus is on creating artwork.
- Art also enhances a student's perceptions. Artists tend to be more observant, conscious people. I teach art in a way that encourages students to examine the world around them. An artist designed the chair you are sitting in, the water bottle you drink out of, and the building you live in. Art students learn to examine the objects and images around them, including advertisements, videos, magazines and artwork. Art students develop a greater understanding of their visual culture and how they are affected by it.
- Art allows students to express themselves and it can boost self esteem. As students gain independence and figure out who they are, being able to express themselves through art provides a wonderful outlet. Being able to look at a finished piece of artwork and say "I made that," gives anyone a great feeling of pride and accomplishment. There are very few classes where a student leaves with a product that he or she created and can be proud of. Art offers that opportunity. Eating cereal out of a bowl you made or gazing at a painting on the wall across from the couch can make everyday living more pleasant.
- Studies have shown that students who take art classes do better in school overall.
- Lastly, students should take art classes because they are fun!
Careers in the Visual ArtsYou're creative. You love to draw, paint, sculpt, write, or design. But what does it take to have a career as an artist? What paths can or should you pursue, and how valid is the stereotype of the starving artist? Pursuing a career as a full-time artist is possible, if you have the passion and the energy.
Art Career Paths Artists can typically be categorized into four groups:
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Things you learn in Art...1. Art stimulates the brain and helps develop problem-solving skills.
2. Art builds a keener sense of perception, contributing to making better decisions. 3. Art engages the senses. 4. Art helps you relax. 5. Art stimulates creativity. 6. Art helps develop individuality and independence. 7. Art helps to build self-esteem. 8. Art gives you a sense of well-being. 9. Art generates enjoyment. 10. Art promotes self-expression. 11. Art promotes abstract thinking. 12. Art gives you a feeling of accomplishment. 13. Art promotes non-verbal communication skills. 14. Art is exhilarating. 15. Art teaches us more about ourselves than we imagined. 16. Art inspires us to be even more creative than we already are! |
