Keeping today's post short because of so much to do this morning, but short isn't always meaningless. I've written many long and meaningless posts! Since I am the pondering sort that likes to be reflective of the Bigger Picture, today is a good day to think about how far the public educational systems have come to even include, even celebrate, Art Education. A relatively short time ago students would not be learning about art in school. It is a modern concept, with young artists having to learn on their own or through apprenticeships (often having to go to Europe to do so.) Amidst the current technological revolution that relies heavily on visual imagery to communicate, we are finally reaching a point where most people realize the importance of image making. It's a great time to be an art teacher!!
The University of North Texas has made an excellent website about the history of Art Education. The site presents a timeline of important cultural events and a snapshot of what Art Education was about at the different times in history and places around the world. On this first day of school, Day 3 of 185 days for the school year, it is an impressive and inspirational read! Be grateful today that we have a backlog of thousands of years of common visual art material to explore and celebrate in class, and out.
What will you make today?