Why Show Student Art?
Walk into any elementary school in the nation and you are likely to find a visually rich landscape. On the walls you will see children’s drawings, projects writings and other works of art. In the library there will be projects on the shelves.
These works are often accompanied with name tags, written explanations and even a list of standards.
You can find the same visual landscape in most middle schools.
Walk into a high school and you are likely to find a different landscape. There are probably fewer examples of student work and student artwork gracing the walls. You can find the student artwork but it will probably be closer to the art room or in limited locations or exhibit areas.
Before we tackle the “why” of this I would like to start with the most basic question of all:
Why do we show art work?
Notice I did not say student art. I want us to consider why we show art in the first place. Consider the aesthetics. Consider the effect on the environment. Consider how showing art affects the artist and viewer.
I want you, the reader to contribute your thoughts to this basic question.
As we progress through the month we will take a communal look at the same question as it relates to student art. We will explore the benefits for our students and programs. How do logistics or attitudes create impediments to showing student art and how we can make a positive change. We will also explore the teachable moments that occur when student artwork is displayed prominently throughout a building.
-Michael Gettings
1. To celebrate the work of our youth.
2. To educate viewers on the creativity, processes and achievements of our youth.
3. To share with the world that art is no secret, it can be for everyone.
4. To inspire others with new ideas.
5. Because it looks good!
Posted by: andrew woodward | January 31, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Creativity in all its many forms makes life interesting. Displaying student art is a win-win: The student takes pride in creating; the viewer marvels at what is created. Student art is especially appealing b/c the freedom of expression is so evident. No adult rules to restrict; only endless possibilities.
Posted by: Dave Burgess | February 01, 2011 at 04:08 PM
We show student art because it shows that students have varying talents even beyond academics. It inspires others to create! It also adds beauty to the hallways. Children, teachers, administrators, parents, and visitors to the school can marvel at the talent inside the building. Students feel a sense of pride in their creation.
Posted by: Katina Otey | February 01, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Art is vibrant! Art tells a story, sets a mood. I can't imagine a school or public building without artwork on display. Art engages the onlooker and spurs creativity. Art contributes to the culture of the school and community. We belong to the VMFA and every month, our PTA borrows collections of art work and displays it in our school's very own art gallery! We are a relatively new school, and one of the first things we did was to hire a local artist to paint a mural in our main office to welcome visitors and make a connection to our school's name, Colonial Trail Elementary. Our PTA also hung artwork in all the staff restrooms so that staff can take a break and relax. Student artwork on display also makes connections to the curriculum and makes our school a joyful place!
Posted by: Philip Cantone | February 01, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Displaying student art allows parents and other community members to see the products created by students in our art programs. Their work enhances the physical space, starts conversations, and provides a moment of quiet reflection for the viewer. Displaying the work is also evidence of the pride that the instructor has in the students and their creations. It's important for those who come into schools to see that we are more than pencils, papers, and textbooks.
Posted by: Art Raymond | February 01, 2011 at 08:24 PM
We show student art not only for the pride and ownership of the student artist,s but also so that peers and teachers can view their achievements. Other teachers often comment on the art pieces with the students. This creates more dialogue and ways to relate to students outside of their classroom.
Posted by: Larisa Manewal | February 02, 2011 at 01:04 AM
Recently I told my students they could not take home their clay projects, because we had to display them. (2nd grade). Moans and Groans were heard. I explained why we display the art. We need to show the school community what we have been up to. Share the great things we do, and get people in our school talking about and asking about our art! It's such an important pieces of the puzzle. Can't wait to hear what else you have in store for us this month!
Posted by: Jessica Balsley | February 02, 2011 at 07:29 PM
We show art to communicate with others to give our feelings and opinions about what we believe , see and know. It is how we know our past and communicate with the future. We create to display and for our own personal reflection. As far back as we can see art tells a story about daily life, impressions and conveys emotions and feelings that is it's purpose.
Posted by: Michelle | February 03, 2011 at 12:34 PM
We display artwork because it makes the building and room spaces more colorful and bright. It provides visual stimulation and emotional responses. People enjoy looking at what has been created and talking about it. The displays also create a sense of pride in the artist, the instructor, and in parents. What a great feeling to see your creation on display and to know others will see it.
Posted by: Johnna Riley | February 06, 2011 at 12:10 AM
We display art...
to celebrate student art work.
to beautify and brighten the
school's atmosphere.
to promote the arts.
to acknowledge student
success.
to inspire creativity and
orginality.
to foster an appreciation of
the arts.
Posted by: Cheri Guempel | February 15, 2011 at 09:29 PM