Art Program Philosophy

Visual art education is essential to the basic education of all students.  The visual arts experience for students must take into account that current and future demands on the workplace, society, and the individual go beyond basic reading and writing literacy.  In order to participate fully in society and to realize their potential, students must encounter a visual arts program that challenges their abilities, capitalizes on their aspirations, and enlarges their views of the world and their place in it.  If students are to become competent in the visual arts processes, then the processes must be addressed in an integrated fashion.

The visual arts:

• Represent the most telling imprint of any civilization and serve as records of history, expressions, and beliefs;
• Are basic symbol systems which people use to create, communicate, express, and acquire understanding;
• Represent forms of thinking and ways of knowing by participation in the world through cognitive and sensory experiences;
• Embody the deepest expression of humanity;
• Permeate all facets of daily life, education, community, and work.

Therefore, a comprehensive and sequential arts education means that students will:

• Understand the role of the arts in people's lives and appreciate the artistic achievements of various cultures and societies, past and present;
• Communicate through the arts and develop capacity to perceive, think creatively and critically, and problem solve;
• Respond to the aesthetic, expressive, and emotional qualities of the arts philosophy;
• Understand the connections among the arts, other academic disciplines, and life experiences.