Did you know?
~ The arts teach kids to be more tolerant and open.
~ The arts allow kids to express themselves creatively.
~ The arts promote individuality, bolster self-confidence, and improve overall academic performance.
~ The arts can help troubled youth, providing an alternative to delinquent behavior and truancy while providing an improved attitude toward school.
Young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week through at least one full year are:
~ 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
~ 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
~ 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
~ 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
~ 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem
Recently... I did an art demo in my daughter Olivia's, first grade class. I set up a small still life and the children watched me paint an apple from life. We talked about painting and the arts in general. We also discussed the things they are doing in school right now that may be helpful in the career of an artist... things like the importance of each subject they are taking and how that relates to being a successful artist. They offered some GREAT answers and insights. Olivia was in rare form as she was helping every step of the way... afterall... she is my painting buddy! In fact... we reached a point where I painted and she answered the questions. The kids were more interested in her as an artist... asking her questions like... "When did she start painting?"... "What does she love to paint most?"... I enjoyed seeing her and the class interact... a GREAT day in making memories!
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Dad and his artist buddy/public speaker, Olivia!
Olivia and Mrs Tyson...
The finished painting....
"An Apple for Mrs. Tyson"... 5x7" Oil on panel, painted 10-31-2007, alla prima from life as a demo for Mrs Tyson's first grade class. This painting was given as a gift to Mrs. Tyson for the great work she is doing with her first graders. Click on painting to see larger view...
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Memories indeed!
Thanks for dropping by... feel free to comment.
Bernie
A couple of great articles about the importance of art and children can be found here:
3 comments:
Bernie, I loved your story about the demo for your daughter's first grade class. Kudos to you for getting involved and helping kids to see artwork up close and very personal! Mrs. Tyson must have been thrilled with her painting. I love your work!
Doris Glovier
So many kids are being cheated by having art and music dropped from their curriculum!
Kudos for bringing the art to the children.
THe arts are a way of thinking that is not addressed in any other way except through visual art, music and drama. Higher civilizations have always been "artistic" - We must keep art in the curriculum and understand that the "right brain" thinking needs nourishment too.
Thanks Bernie for bringing art to the classroom! You never know who you have touched with your passion. There could just be a budding artist in your midst!
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