At the same time, some school districts are investing more in STEM instruction while diverting funds from arts education; research is proving the value and benefits of the latter to its students.
“Schoolchildren exposed to drama, music, and dance may do a better job at mastering reading, writing, and math than those who focus solely on academics,” a report by the Arts Education Partnership discovered. This report combined 62 studies from 100 researchers, from dance to visual and fine arts. The conclusion found that those students who received more arts education had higher standardized test scores and improved social skills. In addition, art education teaches children to trust their creative spirits and gain confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
According to Laura Jeselnick, Co-Owner of Carmel Dance Center: “We see a tangible sense of accomplishment and visible growth in performing arts knowledge, self-confidence, and life skills.”
Art Builds Communities and Breaks Down Barriers
Artistic and creative expression allows users to connect with themselves and people in ways other disciplines do not. It connects people of different socio and economic backgrounds, races, cultures, and the neurotypical to the neurodiverse.
“Art bridges those divides. When you connect with yourself with art, you connect with others. Through art, you can see those commonalities.” Mia Temple, owner of OOZE Studio in Carmel, shares.
In 2005, A Portrait of the Visual Arts report found that arts education provides a creative outlet for students and connects them to their communities and the world at large. The report shows that arts education can help close the gap between socioeconomic groups, creating a more level playing field between children who may not be exposed to these enrichment experiences outside of school and some of their more privileged peers.
Art Teaches Teamwork
Whether asking an instructor or peer to share a technique, ask for feedback, or create a piece together, art builds commonalities and communities. Shared workspaces give people a sense of belonging, and art respects individual tastes and opinions. It fosters individuality while building teamwork.
Art Builds Confidence and Creativity
Making art is a process that relies on creativity, trial and error techniques, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Mia Temple shares that at Ooze Studio, she teaches her students everything is correct in their artwork. If a student is unsatisfied with their piece, she talks to them about what they are unhappy with and discusses different ways to recreate it. This is a safe space for trial and error and working through various scenarios and problems.
As students feel more comfortable making mistakes in art, that will grow their confidence in other areas of life.
Jess Ansberry, Owner of Progress, Not Perfection in Pacific Grove, shares the freedom and confidence children often have when creating art pieces and how that can differ from adults. “I love working with the kids because they have no fear about the process. They don’t have a lot of self-doubt and years of messages behind them about being perfect like many adults do. I love to do guided painting with them and allow them to create freely. Our camp is about the kids being themselves, encouraging each other, and not worrying about something being “good, bad, best, right.”
The Impact of Art on the Brain
John Hopkins researchers identified that arts education changes the brain structures, from improving motor skills and social and intellectual development to increasing IQ scores (Neuroeducation: Learning, Arts, and the Brain by Mariale Hardiman, Ed.D., Susan Magsamen, Guy McKhann, M.D., and Janet Eilber). This happens through repetitive practice (such as playing a musical instrument) and changes the brain’s development.
“Being a good writer doesn’t just help you in English class; it helps position students to do better in all subjects and have more academic confidence.” Hans Hartvickson, co-founder of Adventures in Writing.
Healing through Art
Art therapy is healing from traumatic events that allow patients to express their feelings through coloring, drawing, painting, and sculpting. People can build art to cope with difficulties; it is often a safer and more comfortable way to process feelings than speaking out loud. “Imagination is tapping into the subconscious in the form of open play. That is why art or music therapy, which encourages people to take brushes, paint, or an instrument, and express themselves, is so powerful.” Phil Cheney explained.
Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties offer a variety of art education opportunities, ranging from local museums to dance studios. Consider the benefits of art education with your child to build their confidence, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Some of Sabrina Hiltunen’s fondest memories in high school were spent in her school’s dance studio, and tap and hip hop were her favorites.