The Value of Art Education for Every Child
As a child, I loved to create, making all kinds of treasures from my crayons, glue, and whatever else I could find. To be honest, that is still true of me as an adult. While God has given me a love of art, your child may be gifted in other ways, such as athletics or academics. We believe that God creates each child differently and gives each unique gifts, but at CCA, we believe an art education is valuable for each of our students. But why? Here are some things to consider.
Art teaches us to notice.
In the fast paced world in which we live, it is so easy to rush past the beauty of God’s creation all around us. It is easy for our attention to be pulled to other things and in other directions. When we study art, we must slow down and take time to observe, to notice. In order to draw that flower, we must study it. We spent some time at the beach as a family last summer, and one thing we love to do is collect shells. What an opportunity to reflect on God’s creativity! The colors! The sizes! The shapes! The ridges! My daughter found a piece of a once-large shell, and commented, “Even though it’s broken, it’s still beautiful.” Isn’t that such a metaphor for us? Broken, but made beautiful and whole by the sacrifice of Jesus. The things we can learn when we take the time to notice!
Art teaches perseverance.
With the exception of very few throughout history, becoming a great artist requires a lot of practice. Like any discipline our children will learn, practicing helps them to improve. It is not easy to draw something perfectly realistically, or to make a mound of clay into beautiful pottery. So through their art education, a student learns to exercise their “muscles” of patience, diligence, and grit. There may be a lot of erasing or restarting along the way! However, any adult knows that we will encounter troubles and obstacles in this world. Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” The practice and study of art gives our children a safe place to struggle – even fail – and then keep trying. Learning to continue towards their goal without giving up is a skill that will transfer to many areas of their lives.
Art glorifies God.
As a Christian, our utmost goal is to glorify God and point others to Him. God is the ultimate artist – He created the whole world! When our children use their talents to create, they are imitating Him. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children,” says Ephesians 5:1. When our children notice the world that was created by God, it helps them to know Him more fully. Our students can use their artwork to show the world the truth, beauty, and goodness of God.
Art is a worthwhile pursuit for each and every child.