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Keeping the arts alive in our classrooms
GRAND ISLAND —
As news stories go, this one did not necessarily break any news or
advance any public policy. But Wednesday's page one story about an art
workshop for elementary students was certainly important. The story,
written by veteran scribe Harold Reutter, was reaffirming proof of the
importance of art programs in the school systems.
At the workshop, Doug Jensen, an administrator at Grand Island Senior
High, shared his insight as a sculptor with 140 third-through-fifth
graders. He described the painstaking process of creating his famous,
sleek, metal sculptures of Doberman pinschers for the kids. He
artfully described how the students need to learn to read, do math and
write intelligently so they can earn a living. He eventually asked them
why people create art. "Because they enjoy it," they enthusiastically
responded. Bingo. Jensen had made his point.
Art needs to remain an important part of the school curriculum because
of the emotional rewards it brings to students. It is important that
the students be exposed to a strong art curriculum that allows them to
explore who they are. The process of creating art is more for the
emotional reward than the financial return. Very few are fortunate to
earn a living in the art world, but everyone experiences art on some
scale every day of their lives.
By maintaining a strong elementary art program, schools help students
develop an appreciation for painting, vocal and orchestral music,
sculpture, drawing, ceramics and graphics.
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