Where to Display Student Art?
Consider: In the January 2011 edition of American School Board Journal, a board member from New York observed, “… in some cases, the arts may be the one thing keeping that student in school”.
Also, to quote, Raising the Educational Achievement of Secondary School Students - Volume 1, Summary of Promising Practices, “Schools are more than just places where academic learning occurs. Depending on many factors, they are also complex social environments that can be inviting or alienating. Successful programs for at-risk students attempt to create an environment that helps students develop a sense of commitment to the school community”.
I would argue that student art should be a predominate part of the entire school culture. By that, I mean that student works should be shown in as many venues within the building as possible.
There are challenges to this concept. Some of these are architectural (Campus style schools), aesthetics of a new building, and the fear of the works being damaged.
These challenges can be beat though. Find the places in the school where every student will visit at some time. The cafeteria, library, and entrance/office areas are two that come to mind. Display art there. Use panels (the hinged doors work well) and literally move your display into the active spots.
It is clear that most people believe that based on the basic aesthetics of beautification, the school becomes a more vibrant student centered environment.
Tells us – Where are the active spots in your school? Where are some challenge areas in your school? How do you overcome these challenges?
-Michael Gettings
References:
- American School Board Journal, "Your Turn, The arts are necessary", January 2011
- Raising the Educational Achievement of Secondary School Students - Volume 1 Summary of Promising Practice, 1995, http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/Raising/vol1/pt5.html
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