park rapids enterprise | Saturday, March 25, 2023
parkrapidsenterprise.com
| 9
ART EDUCATION NURTURES VITAL SKILLS Y outh Art Month is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art and art education for all children and to encourage public support for quality school art programs. Art is for all youth, not just the especially gifted. Art activities stimulate creativity, imagination, perception and selectivity so necessary for
our future decision makers, business people, engineers, scientists and teachers. Art education develops self-esteem, appreciation of the work of others, selfexpression, cooperation with others and critical thinking skills – all skills vital to the success of our children as they continue their education and enter the working world.
Yet, art education is often considered a “fringe” program. In reality, it provides students skills they will need as adults. Our fast-changing environment requires future leaders – today’s children – to be creative and imaginative in problem-solving. These skills are learned by students involved in art.
PARK RAPIDS
Photos by Shannon Geisen / Enterprise
Brielle Krabbenhoft poses with a few of her favorite pieces. “I really like graphite. It’s the best. I just work really fast with it,” said the Park Rapids High School senior. “I’ve been drawing since seventh grade.” She plans to major in graphic design in college.
Isabel Nevala, a Park Rapids sophomore, uses oil paints to recreate a coastal scene. “It’s a bit of a struggle. I don’t really know how to paint waves or cliffs,” she said.