Incorporating art into everyday life is, well, life itself for some of us. The truth is, I can’t imagine starting a day without music. It acts as my life’s soundtrack, accompanying me from morning until night—except for those moments when silence is needed to recharge and find inner peace. But for the most part, I’ve found ways to weave art into my daily routine consistently.
Take caricature artists, for instance. They have a knack for blending humor with reality, capturing life’s quirks in an exaggerated, satirical way. And storytellers, whether through books, films, or theater—broaden our worldview, often lifting us to a higher awareness.
Art offers a unique lens to explore different cultures and facets of us, often surpassing the limits of language. My mom has this saying: “Music is the great communicator; it bridges generations and eras.” Honestly, that sentiment could apply to any art form.
People express their creativity in myriad ways. For some, cooking is their medium, while others might express themselves through drawing or painting. You don’t have to label yourself an ‘artist’ to find art all around you or to integrate it into your life. It’s a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries.
Fashion is another vibrant realm of artistry. For many, assembling an outfit is an art form, a canvas of personal style. There’s creativity involved in picking the right clothes, shoes, and accessories to craft a distinct look.
My teenage son is entirely on board with this view, and it’s a joy to see him carefully curating his wardrobe like an artist crafting a masterpiece. Watching him thoughtfully put together outfits reminds me of an artist painting a beautiful landscape—every choice detailed, every piece intentional.
How do the arts improve academic performance?
Students who take a combination of arts programs have shown improved verbal, reading, and math skills. They also offer a greater capacity for higher-ordered thinking skills like analyzing and problem-solving.
The arts can also help close the achievement gap for disadvantaged and minority students. Studies have shown that arts-integrated instruction is especially beneficial for these groups of students, helping to improve test scores and grades.
Personally, I took all the creative classes that were offered in my school system. Although poor as a kid, I was fortunate to grow up in a wealthy school district. In middle school, I played percussion in the band for three years.
In high school, I switched to taking guitar and piano courses instead of participating in the band. What was great for me as a student who wasn’t so interested in science was that I could take black-and-white photography instead of chemistry. I certainly learned much more about chemistry in that darkroom than I would have in memorizing the periodic table!
I think it’s safe to say that the arts not only build a foundation for future success but can also be used as a tool for academic achievement in the present. When looking for ways to engage your child or student in learning, or even yourself, consider incorporating the arts. A lot of the time, it’s simply the key to unleashing their full potential.
What skills can art give you?
Incorporating skills gained through the arts can really give you a leg up in the professional world and set you on a path to career success. Let’s chat about a few of them.
First off, there’s creativity. Whether you’re brainstorming a new project or finding innovative solutions, thinking outside the box is invaluable. Then we have confidence—an essential trait that arts participation nurtures by encouraging self-expression and pushing personal boundaries.
Problem-solving skills come from tackling artistic challenges and applying those experiences to resolve workplace dilemmas effectively. Arts also teach perseverance. You learn to push through setbacks and continuously improve, which is crucial in any career.
Focus is another key takeaway. The arts demand your full attention, enhancing your ability to concentrate and follow through on tasks. Non-verbal communication, developed through artistic expression, allows you to convey messages and emotions without words—something handy during presentations or working with diverse teams.
Then, there’s the ability to receive constructive feedback. It’s not always easy, but the arts help you see feedback as a tool for growth rather than criticism.
Collaboration is enormous, too. Working with others on artistic projects enhances teamwork skills, preparing you to thrive in any group setting.
Dedication learned from perfecting your art goes hand in hand with accountability. You become reliable, as taking responsibility for your part in any project is ingrained in you.
In the business world, these skills are not just valuable—they’re essential. Embracing them can give you an edge and enrich your career journey.
Benefits of arts integration
Time and time again, arts integration has proven to create deeper connections across different subjects, making learning more engaging and meaningful. It sparks imagination and creativity, inviting students to interpret ideas and topics in their unique ways.
Art instruction isn’t just about drawing or painting; it plays a significant role in developing a variety of skills. It helps kids refine their motor skills, boosts their language and social skills, encourages decision-making, and even inspires them to take healthy risks. Plus, visual arts teach important aspects like color, layout, perspective, and balance—all of which come in handy when presenting academic work, whether visually or digitally.
Integrating arts into other subjects can be especially helpful for students who might find traditional teaching methods a bit challenging. When you blend art with academics, students start linking their personal experiences with the concepts they’re learning in class. It opens the door for them to communicate their culture, heritage, and values, sharing these personal insights with peers. Art, in this context, becomes a powerful communication tool that captures and expresses ideas and emotions that words might struggle to convey.
By merging arts with education, we unlock a world of opportunities for students to learn in a more dynamic, inclusive way, setting them up for future success in both their personal and academic lives.
Why is arts integration important?
In conclusion, integrating arts and music into all areas of our lives has been proven many times over to be both enriching and empowering while transcending cultural boundaries with its universal language.