ART MASTERPIECE and STEAM

With budget cuts rampant across the country, many schools are forced to reduce arts and music education however,  art education is crucial for our kids. We all know that STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, and math) are in high demand in today’s workplace. But increasingly that acronym is being changed from "STEM to STEAM". 

This shift recognizes the vital role of the arts in preparing tomorrow’s designers and problems solvers. Art encourages cognitive, analytical and creative thinking skills. Art helps us see beauty and potential in unexpected places. 

Some districts have made great strides towards revitalizing the arts, and using it to reinvent schools. Nearly every school now offers at least some arts instruction or special programs. Some schools offer Art Masterpiece a national art enrichment program that is offered to elementary children by trained parent volunteer guides, in cooperation with teachers. Art guides lead discussions about famous paintings, the artist and periods of art. The goal is to build an appreciation for fine art while complimenting their lessons in Social Studies, Science, Geography and other subjects. Each Art Masterpiece program is different based on the particular program established by the school.

I believe that each of us can point back to a creative pursuit, in or out of school, that enhanced our skills, knowledge, or understanding. Supporting education in the arts is crucial for our society.

Here are some Art Masterpiece projects to try