Detroit Free Press
By JUSTIN MONTGOMERY
Staff Writer
Creative Commons License

Unfortunately, a school’s Art programs is typically the first to go if a school is having financial difficulty. Why?

The Arts are imperative in education. Whether its music, drama, or painting, students should be encouraged to explore their creativity. They should not always be told what to learn or given a formula.The Arts empowers youth to express themselves and to be heard. Art gives students a voice.

I am a member of Mosaic Youth Theatre. Mosaic is an youth development organization that grants students professional training in areas of music and theatre. Becoming a member of Mosaic has had positive influence on my academics, work ethic, and overall attitude. It serves as a creative outlet. In addition, whenever I see a word or an event in a script that I am unfamiliar with I am interested to learn about it. These real-life applications have helped me tremendously in subjects such as History and AP English.

Make your Mark Program from1999-2006 at Santa Fe Community College 296 students attended this program. Retention was 60% went on to college

“Perhaps lawmakers think Art is not important or silly,” says Gregory Harrison, a senior at Renaissance High School.On the contrary, the arts deeply relates to education; for without a proper education one cannot appreciate it.

“Art exposes you to things you ordinarily wouldn’t be exposed to,” says Sheridynn Frazier, a senior at Thurston High School. Just think, what if major recording artists like Beyonce, Usher, or Trey Songz never had a music class in school? Would they be the same chart-topping success stories we know today?

“The world revolves around art, no matter what language you speak, nationality, or religion you can always understand Art,” says Devin Woodson, a junior at Oak Park High School.

The Arts are an essential component to a student’s development. We all practice some type of art form in our everyday lives. We need more art programs in school not only because they have a direct link to education, but because art reflects life.

Don’t imagine my life without it.