Youth Art Show at the Questa Library

As a former art educator, I highly value the importance of the arts in education. To me, it is possibly one of the most important aspects of a child’s education. Critical thinking skills and creative problem solving are needed now, more than ever!

The National Art Education Association (NEA) has cited over 99 research studies that have proven that the arts are essential for our children in all aspects of their growth. Here are a few examples. This Edutopia article on art education cites how, “Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Arts learning can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork.”

Another study by a 15-year literature review done by the NEA found, “A growing body of evidence suggests that at virtually every stage of life, the arts can foster openness to novelty, encourage connections to people, places, things, and concepts, and promote the ability to take multiple perspectives, among other positive outcomes.”

The arts are a vital part of the growth of every child! The arts in education need to be fostered and protected.
To help celebrate our children and the arts in our schools and local homeschool groups, the Questa Public Library will be showcasing youth artwork during the holiday months of November and December. This display will feature three sections. In the front desk display area will be artwork by students from the Questa Junior/Senior High school. In the children’s room, the Alta Vista Elementary students will have their work displayed, and in the teen room will be a display of work from the Lama charter school Roots and Wings as well as homeschooled children. Both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional work will be on display. To make this an extra special event, on November 6th the library will be giving out fun and encouraging recognitions for all younger students and place awards for older students. Please come help us celebrate our children and the art in education!

Thank you, Questa Public Schools for providing this important resource for our kids. Thank you. art teachers Jennifer Vialpando, Maya MacDonald, Sarah Newberry and others for all your hard work and encouragement.