Art Education Philosophy

I believe that art is an essential part of a childs education. As an art educator, I believe in self-
expressionism. Art is based on exploration, allowing for different outcomes, each one unique in its own
way. I will foster an environment of self-confidence, respect, discovery, and acceptance. Art provides
tools for interpreting life experiences, developing identity and self worth. Learning to create and
appreciate visual aesthetics may be more important than ever to the development of the next generation
of children as they grow up in todays visually inundated world. Every child is an artist. And children are
the center of art education.

Good art education values cultural awareness. As the diversity in our society increases, I will be
sensitive to the wide variety of student cultures and learning styles and teach lessons in a way that
considers each unique background and understanding of knowledge. Art manifests ideology with long
term cultural and political ambition. It is necessary for students to be able to connect community and art.
Students become aware of social issues in a larger context, which can then be applied to themselves.
When students come together to create art, strong relationships are built granting the ability of discovery
of respect and shared humanity. There is a sense of accomplishment and a creation of common good.

Inquiry based discussion is extremely important, as experiencing and appreciating art are an integral part
of the learning process. It allows for connections between works of art and curricular topics as well as a
catalyst for developing students thinking dispositions. My curriculum includes a solid form of
assessment. Alternative forms of critique can be used to help students understand group processes of
production and appreciation of the arts. Individual dialogue enables students and the teacher to become
more familiar with student intents, motivations, and thought processes. Small group critiques help
students develop an understanding that quality is discernible but complex, and can help students
articulate clearly their own work but also the work of others. I will broaden students knowledge and
ability to discover, present, and talk about work.
I will incorporate technology into the students art experience as a way to create new forms of art,
inspirational research, and to photograph and further document students artwork in digital portfolios
and class blog. Using technology in the art classroom raises student interest, promotes class
participation, teaches new skills, helps make connections between the classroom and the outside world,
and shows parents and family what we are actually creating in class.
Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone
else, while instilling artistic creativity and empowerment in young minds. The power of the arts is to
touch imagination, evoke possibility, and alter life.