ART IN EDUCATION IS CRITICAL TO STUDENT HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS!

 Ipswich Loves Art is a volunteer program created early in 2011 to benefit the Paul F. Doyon Memorial School Art Program to promote Art as essential education and as a daily skill for both students and families.  Starting art in elementary school is critical to the academic success!  While many art and music programs are being crowded out by a focus on standardized tests and shrinking budgets, the Ipswich Public School system has been a visionary in education, understanding that the arts are critical to academics and a necessary part of a fully developed education.  The goal of Ipswich Loves Art is to continue this vision and ensure that the Arts are a fundamental part of elementary, middle and high school education. 

Due to the participation of volunteers, artists, mentors and sponsors the Art Program operates a Virtual Art Gallery in the lobby of the school showcasing student "artists" for everyone to appreciate and to promote the importance of Art as Education.  Students, parents and family members can view  and share their child's art and the work of over 150 students right here on the web. 

Ipswich Loves Art supports the idea that “Art is Everywhere”.  Art is all around us, in everything we see, wear, buy, eat or create.  Art is in the signs we see, the commercials we watch, the clothes we wear, the meals that we make, the gifts we buy.  Art touches all aspects of our lives.  Students are taught to “notice” colors, textures, shapes, shading, and more importantly the belief that art is a skill that can be learned, developed and enjoyed by anyone. 

When students learn to love to create in their minds, using their imagination, and then using their hands to create their artwork, they are building the most valuable developmental skills that permeate all levels of learning:  patience, organization, self confidence, persistence, courage, and practice, just to name a few.  These skills are learned almost invisibly, without students really even knowing that they are learning new disciplines. 

To see a first grader who has taken the time to draw hundreds of tiny lines in multiple colors to create grass or a spider web, or a fourth grader who has painstakingly woven numerous textures and colors of yarn to make their own unique tapestry, creates such excitement for teachers because they know that these students will be able to apply these skills to other classes as well as other parts of their life.

Art intersects and overlaps almost everything we see and experience in our daily lives.  Learning to appreciate color, texture, shapes, layers, structure, organization, problem solving and solutions through art education increases brain development in an entirely different way and enhances academics, sports, interpersonal skills and academic performance.  More importantly, art teaches appreciation of diversity, curiosity, research, self expression and self confidence that students need to thrive in their non-academic lives. 

Take a moment to look at all the wonderful artwork created by student artists, demonstrating imagination, creativity, and attention to detail.  See how the Ipswich Public School system supports a well rounded and visionary approach to art as essential education which develops key skills as well as the appreciation of the art everywhere around us.  

We are always looking for artists willing to contribute their ideas, skill and experiences.  Questions and comments can be emailed to Doyon.Art@verizon.net or posted here.  Welcome to art lovers everywhere!!