Art "Whys"

Why WhyART?

This site is dedicated to assisting those who believe the arts are an essential part of a complete education, offering opportunities for recognition and success to those whose strengths are not necessarily found in traditional venues or modalities. WhyART.com focuses on those who learn or perceive differently, and why they so often connect with art.
Why Nourish?

Each person has a variety of skills, each person learns differently. The arts nourish creativity, curiosity and communication skills in those who make art and in those who experience art. These skills are useful in other curricula as well; success in the arts can translate into success elsewhere.
Why Heal?
Each of us has experienced frustration. The frustration of being taught by someone who does not understand how we learn best is certainly one of the most challenging circumstances we face in a learning environment. Often, our sense of self is diminished as we struggle to grasp what others seem to absorb intuitively. Art, a discipline which does not require excellent verbal or writing skills to communicate with peers or teachers, can provide a safe place to experiment and express one's thoughts and talents as one learns new skills. Art can heal!

Why Build?

Art is more than a flexible patch meant to fill in the open space of a standard schedule. Art can be the key which unlocks the pathway to understanding in a myriad of subjects. Imagine the multiplication tables coming alive in song, or a warm up exercise routine transferred to a stage and accompanied by music. Imagine a multimedia slideshow demonstrating a lab experiment, or a sheaf of handmade papers bound into a journal holding prose and poetry. Art builds skills that are useful throughout the curriculum; Art builds skills useful in life!

Musings...
About 20 years ago, I created a painting on paper entitled, “Cassie’s Amazing Voice”. It was named for Cassiopeia the Ethiopian queen & constellation and Cassandra, the soothsayer of Troy. There was something in the painting that connected both the cyclic illumination of a winter constellation and the dark experience of a Trojan oracle. I still wonder what Cassie’s voice sounded like, and if she could really illuminate the darkness. I’m not a gloomy guy; but I do appreciate contemplating …especially when others are busy.

more here...
see also:
A Day for MLK
Art and LD