ART PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

In this age of cultural diversity, technological advancement and fervent academic expectations, the modern day student has a lot to contend with. Educational standards are on the rise and children are growing up faster than ever. In order to navigate through the challenges that lie ahead, students of all ages need the tools to think creatively. An ideal arts education allows students to explore their minds and imagination in an unadulterated and supportive environment. Having a solid arts education, however, may not only give students an awareness of their abilities, it can also lead them down a path of discovery and knowledge. By encouraging the process of self-discovery and experiential learning, students can learn skills that translate into life, both in and out of school. By valuing both the process and product, the arts satiate the need to express, create and interpret experiences. Not only does an arts education promote multicultural awareness, it is a universal language that can influence and be influenced by one’s course of study, ego identity and the world around them. I believe that art education is an integral component of today’s curriculum because it encourages students of every developmental level to pursue personal fulfillment by emphasizing and developing the creative and intuitive nature of the student. I also think it is important to contextualize and enhance the students’ experience with the arts by integrating an interdisciplinary method of engaging them with their core classes. Supplementing art projects with units in the English, Social Studies, Science and Technology departments promotes a more well rounded education. Within my art studio, I want to complement a hands-on approach to learning with historical and cultural references so that students can appreciate the relevance of the arts from the past to today’s modern day society. Whether it’s Leonardo da Vinci’s multifaceted influences on history to the new art careers that are blooming due to the computer graphics industry, the arts enriches the lives of students while enhancing their lifelong learning experiences. In my art classroom, students will acquire knowledge about the elements of art and the principles of design. They will learn about influential artists and how to work with different media and techniques. They will also develop their own processes of learning and how to respect the various talents and opinions of their peers. Ultimately, I intend to create a learning environment that supports the growth of a student’s self-esteem so that they may gain knowledge that transpires the classroom setting.