Art develops creative thinking. Creativity is the process of recombining known elements and past experiences to produce something that is new. There is an urgent need today for creative solutions for the home, community, nation and the world.
Art provides a means of communication and self- expression. Art is a form of language. It offers another way of making personal statements and observations about the world that may be difficult to verbalize.
Art serves as an emotional release. At the same time a person is creating something, he or she is solving problems of tension or frustration. People who can turn feelings into creative channels, have an outlet that can safeguard them all their lives – a natural “self-healing” process.
Art strengthens self-confidence. Self-confidence is the feeling of assurance in one’s own judgment, ability and power. People who create art gain confidence in working through the many decisions, challenges and problems experienced in the process of creating.
Art increases self-understanding. Through creating art, each person can discover their own point of view. Choices of colors and methods can be very revealing and seeing other’s ideas and approaches to the same projects one is working on can add to this self-knowledge.
Art enhances the ability to visualize. Visualization, the ability to see a mental picture of something that is not there, is vital to creativity. The ability to “see it in your head” is crucial to becoming a good thinker and achieving whatever one wishes to accomplish. Evidence now shows that original thinkers in math and science use visual thinking. This ability can be strengthened through art.
Art provides decision-making/problem-solving opportunities. People are required to make countless decisions as they create art. Decisions about things such as subject matter, colors, shapes, materials, tools, textures and sizes are going on from the moment a creative project is started. By working through problems in art a person learns how to work through problems in life.
Art heightens awareness and sensitivity. Experiences in art heightens all the senses. Visual power especially, is increased. By participating in the creation of art, people’s senses are sharpened. This in turn can make them more aware of their environments and more intelligent and observant consumers.
Art aids physical co-ordination. Art increases large and small muscle co-ordination. Through art activities, there is increased motor control and eye, hand and mind integration. Free drawing has been found to develop the skills needed for lettering and cursive writing.