Art is essential. We cannot do without art. Art is integral in our lives. Art opens up new horizons for every human being. Art is everywhere. We just do not see the visual art that surrounds us. Art exists in nature and designs created by people. The sky, clouds, rain, storms, trees, landforms, ocean, seas, mountains, rivers, fish, animals and forests all are natural forms for images to be created into art designs.
The world is made up of designs created by people that we see daily from the shape of our homes, cars, roads, bridges, skyscrapers, books, malls, playgrounds and thousands of other designs that exist in our visual world. The joy of creative experiences is an essential part of human development.
Our schools in California passed legislation in the early 70’s that reduced real estate property taxes and consequently lowered the tax dollars given to school districts. The result was that schools were no longer able to hire certified art teachers in the elementary schools.
Now children in California elementary schools do not have art education offered as part of their daily curriculum. As taxpayers in California we must put art back on the education agenda for certified art teachers to be part of a child’s whole education. In providing elementary children a creative arts program to be part of their early education gives each child an opportunity to have their intellectual abilities grow and be sensitized. Providing students with a creative approach to learning through art education improves their academic abilities, increases the ability to develop and express creative ideas which spells success in today’s world.
The importance of art education for elementary students promotes a student’s self-confidence and enhances overall neurological development. As a parent, taxpayer and art education advocate your support is needed in talking with your state legislators to bring art education classes and art teachers back into the curriculums.
Jaylene Armstrong is a retired art educator from Madison, Wisconsin and is a member of the Santa Clarita Artists’ Association.
For more information, please call 661-255-3050.