ART with MEYERS: Former Art Students Visit Current Art Students

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Former Art Students Visit Current Art Students

A special thank you to 2016 graduates Mindy Steiger and Alexa Carchia for making the time to come back to speak to my current art students, many of whom are considering colleges. Mindy, who attends Kutztown University for Art Education, and Alexa, who attends SCCC where she takes art, had two very distinct and honest experiences to share. It was refreshing for the students to hear the 'real deal,' as opposed to the glossy campaign that visiting art school representatives can sometimes bring. Mindy and Alexa shared their personal stories, artwork, and advice, followed by a Q & A session.

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.