Art Education and You

El Taller de Frida
Originally uploaded by artofbrownsville.

On November 1st, I went to a Day of the Dead art exhibit opening by El Taller de Frida, a Matamoros and Brownsville based art school for young children. I was so outstanded by the creativity and the overall work by these young artists who painted skeletons in scenes or portraits of significance to the child. For example, some skeletons were portrayed as ballerinas, princesses, and baseball players. In the picture, you will see El Taller de Frida art student Beatriz Rodriguez standing next to her painting with a skeleton painting in a garden, a scene that references a special family memory. The exhibit was also well excecuted and impressively displayed and I was so happy for the children who received an opportunity to be recognized for their talent and work by their family, friends and the public.

The exhibit was a great experience, yet my favorite thing about the exhibit was the that I took my niece and nephew with me. Albeit, they are at the young ages of almost-two and four, I wanted to take them with me to begin exposing them to art. It's never too early to expose your children to the arts and even better, to encourage them to participate, be it in the visual or performing arts. Overall my niece and nephew had a good time and we also had an opportunity to play in the museum and spend quality time together.

This may not be on the minds of all parents or families, but making art an intregal part of a child's life will set an valuable impression on their development. Here are some facts about art education as provided by Americans for the Arts:

Did You Know?

Young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week through at least one full year are:

4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem

Young artists, as compared with their peers, are likely to:

Attend music, art, and dance classes nearly three times as frequently
Participate in youth groups nearly four times as frequently
Read for pleasure nearly twice as often
Perform community service more than four times as often

Still not convinced? Take a look at these Art, Ask for More Campaign ads:
Ad #1, Ad #2, Ad #3, Ad #4(español)

I am also happy with the attention and support Art Education has been receiving in our community. Such as The Herald's recent coverage of the UTB/TSC student art show and of the St. Mary's and Stillman Middle School students who won at state-level art competitions. At the Brownsville Museum of Art you will also find a gallery soley dedicated to exhibiting children's art. There are also more art classes available to children through the museum or through schools like El Taller de Frida and other private and home-based teaching initiatives. We can also count on our public and private school art teachers to bring art education to our children in school, if not in the classroom, then by displays in the hallways and after-school art clubs.

Yet like all things of value, their appreciation begins at home and most importantly with you. What are you doing to bring art to the children in your life? Art is more than just extra-curricular or extra "fun" activities. A society that makes art an intregal part of their way of life makes for a much richer culture. Same goes for people. People who make room for art in their life most likely are more well-rounded individuals with open minds to the world around them. Many children in Brownsville do not have opportunities to travel outside the Valley or visit museums very often. By bringing art into their lives, you bring the world to them, a way to express their individuality and to grow confidence. So next time you hear about an art exhibit, a play, a musical event or any cultural event, take the kids. You won't regret it and your children will greatly benefit from it.