“Everything that you see around you was designed in some way or another, ” said Art Teacher Jentry Luse. “From your clothes to your shoes, to the car you drive, to the school that we’re in. It was all drawn with pencil and paper first.”
Everyone has heard of art class and most people take the beginning class just for a filler. But for others, it is the way they express themselves as well as developing creativity. In art class, students aren’t focused on tests or memorizing facts, they get the chance to use their imagination in ways other classes don’t allow. Art class is a break from the stress of school. It’s a place where they can relax and focus on something fun.
Art classes are not well-known because many people think they are only for students who are already “good” at drawing or painting. This isn’t true. Many art classes are for beginners, and teachers help students learn along the way. Whether someone is naturally good at art or just starting to try it out, these classes offer a friendly space to learn and improve.
“By the time they get to me, I kind of get to open the creativity factor where I give them bookends and say, ‘Here are the requirements, but your subject matter, your technique is completely up to you.’” Said Luse.
Students are instructed in many techniques, such as shading, color theory and composition. They also learn about different media, such as pencil, charcoal, oil paint and computer software. While these skills may seem less essential than learning history or math, they actually instruct students in thinking critically, solving problems and attention to detail—skills that can be transferred to any career.
“One of the lessons and units that we do is fantasy animals,” said Luse. “That is really fun and really cool because we merge two or more animals together to create our own creature and then we give it its own environment.”
Art classes are too frequently neglected but do so much more than just paint pictures. They help students gain useful skills, are a source of creative expression and aid in emotional well-being. It’s time to give these classes the recognition they deserve and show them the respect they merit.
