Integrating art into life is life. Well, some of us think so. I do not believe I would want to get out of bed without music. It is the soundtrack of my life. It is playing in the background from morning until night. Except for those times when it’s good to get quiet, recharge and reconnect. But other than that, I integrate art into my life continuously.
Caricature artists are great at integrating humor into real-life portraits highlighting life in its most extreme, satirical way. Storytellers, whether in books, movies, plays, photography, advertising, etc., also help us to see life from different perspectives while providing an elevated state of consciousness to our lives. We can learn so much about other cultures and ourselves through art. It is a way of looking at the world that can transcend words. My mom used to say, “Music is the great communicator; it transcends generations and time.” In fact, you could argue that any form of art may be substituted for the phrase “music” there as well.
Some people cook as their form of artistic expression, while others may draw or paint. Even if you do not consider yourself an artist, art can be found and integrated into everyday life. It is a form of expression that can be found in every culture around the world.
Art can also be seen in the way people dress. For some, the way they put together an outfit is considered an art form. There is a level of creativity and self-expression that goes into choosing the right clothes, shoes, and accessories to create a particular look. I can tell you that my oldest teenage son would agree with this. I love to watch him as he thoughtfully puts together his outfits, as someone would paint a beautiful landscape.
What skills does art develop?
Skills developed through participation in the arts are increasingly important in the workplace and needed to enjoy a successful career. Here are only a few:
- Creativity (duh)
- Confidence
- Problem-solving
- Perseverance
- Focus
- Non-verbal communication
- Receiving constructive feedback
- Collaboration
- Dedication
- Accountability
What are the benefits of arts integration?
Arts integration has shown over and over again to build a greater understanding across disciplines that support authentic experiences which engage and motivate learners of all levels. This practice provides multiple modes of learning and understanding while fostering imagination, creativity, and personal interpretation of ideas and topics.
Art instruction helps children with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, healthy risk-taking, and inventiveness. In addition, visual arts teach learners about color, layout, perspective, and balance: all techniques that are necessary for presentations (visual, digital) of academic work.
Incorporating the arts into other subject areas can help engage students who may be struggling with traditional instruction.
When art is integrated into academics, children also learn to make connections between their experiences and what they are studying. The arts provide a way for children to share their culture, heritage, and values with their classmates. It is a means of communication that can express ideas and feelings that cannot always be conveyed through words alone.
How do the arts improve academic performance?
Students who take a combination of arts programs have shown improved verbal, reading, and math skills. They also offer a greater capacity for higher-ordered thinking skills like analyzing and problem-solving.
The arts can also help close the achievement gap for disadvantaged and minority students. Studies have shown that arts-integrated instruction is especially beneficial for these groups of students, helping to improve test scores and grades.
Personally, I took all the creative classes that were offered in my school system. Although poor as a kid, I was fortunate to grow up in a wealthy school district. In middle school, I played percussion in the band for three years. In high school, I switched to taking guitar and piano courses instead of participating in the band. What was great for me as a student who wasn’t so interested in science was that I could take black and white photography instead of chemistry. I certainly learned much more about chemistry in that darkroom than I would have in memorizing the periodic table!
I think it’s safe to say that the arts not only build a foundation for future success but can also be used as a tool for academic achievement in the present. When looking for ways to engage your child or student in learning, or even yourself, consider incorporating the arts. A lot of the time, it’s simply the key to unleashing their full potential.
Integrated arts in daily life
You could integrate art into your life through your home décor, fashion, hobbies, and other daily routines. Partake in different art expressions until you know what inspires you the most.
Some people love to listen to music while they cook or do other activities around the house. Music can help set the mood for whatever you’re doing and make the experience more enjoyable. You could also create your own playlist of songs that help you relax or get pumped up for the day. I’m that person with a playlist for everything. Technology has made that so much easier to do for this music lover.
Incorporating art into your daily life is a great way to express yourself and add a little bit of creativity to your routine. It can also make everyday tasks more enjoyable. When I was growing up, on Saturdays, my home was alive with the sound of music while we cleaned the house. As a result, it was never dull or mundane, and we had a clean house.
Home décor is another area where you can infuse art into your everyday life. How you arrange your furniture and the colors you use in your home can reflect your personality and taste. You can also use art to add a pop of color or interest to any room.
Why art integration is so important?
In conclusion, art is all around us. As we’ve demonstrated, it is integrated into our lives in many different ways. It is a means of expression that can be found in every culture. It can be used to express oneself, to create humor, or to simply add beauty to the world. Whatever the reason, art is an essential part of life.