ART with MEYERS: Gotta LOVE those Paper Valentines!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Gotta LOVE those Paper Valentines!

Who says that art students cannot take a break from their projects to make gorgeous, handmade paper Valentines? Too often immersed in a world of technology, it did my heart good to see them cutting, collaging, and hand-writing such items of beauty. They were visibly happy and relaxed, and most importantly, they took the time to reflect on and value the humans in their lives who matter the most.

The Power of Art Education

All children, not only those with specific artistic talent, benefit from an education in the arts. The arts are, in themselves, a vital part of a comprehensive education. Current research suggests that young people who participate in the arts acquire skills that help them in decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. The arts also help motivate children to learn and achieve stronger results in core academic subjects. For some children, the arts even provide the impetus to stay in school and find their way to contribute to society. Creative thinking and art education challenge students to utilize the right-hemisphere of the brain more often, resulting in more holistic thinking and intuitive learning.