But what captured my attention most and proved to be something I will never forget was a photograph of signs and symbols in the deepest chamber of the cave. This chamber was only three by three feet in height and width and 160 feet in length.

The artist(s) had gone to considerable trouble to create images located in a part of the cave that was not easily accessible. With total absence of light he or she would have had to carry some sort of fire to light the area while creating the images. Moreover, the combined difficulty of access and total darkness suggests that the artist’s work would likely go unnoticed. The artist(s) were moved to create art for the sake of art.

Altamira is a great reminder that it is virtually impossible to find a culture—past or present, expansive or small, highly influential or obscure—that does not evidence some form of artistic expression. Unbelievably, when the discovery of Altamira became public in 1880, many people did not believe that a prehistoric culture had the intellectual and aesthetic sensibilities to create signs and symbols, let alone beautiful art.

The visual and performing arts existed long before anyone considered viewing them through the lenses of academic achievement and cognitive development. Why does some form of artistic expression develop almost universally? Part of the answer may lie in our human condition, where the arts resonate with us on a social and emotional level, oftentimes in profound ways. Not surprisingly, there is a considerable body of research exploring the impact of the arts on social and emotional development.

Consider the following:

• A number of studies document the positive effect of arts education on identity formation, a critical developmental task of childhood and adolescence. From a wider perspective, the visual and performing arts provide a variety of opportunities for students to create, explore, and express their identity.
• A growing social awareness accompanies adolescence, including interest in moral and ethical issues. The arts provide excellent opportunities for students at that age to explore these issues. We have had the opportunity to witness this firsthand at Country Day in the work of the Theater for Social Change.
• Participation in the visual and performing arts correlate with the development of confidence and self-esteem.
• The visual arts help develop the capacity for greater self-awareness (e.g., how a young person understands and articulates the decision making process).
• Involvement in the arts have been shown to increase positive behaviors and decrease undesirable behaviors.
• Participation in group art experiences, such as a drama production or musical performance, contribute to greater levels of understanding as well as collaboration. Collaboration, the ability to work with others, is now considered one of the major skills for success in the 21st century.
• Music plays a very important role in identity formation during adolescence. 
• Art experiences help students develop greater levels of persistence and resilience.
• Arts participation has been shown to increase self-efficacy.
• Children involved in the arts early on develop greater interpersonal communication skills.
• There is a large body of PK-12 research demonstrating that students involved in the arts are more engaged in school and exhibit higher levels of motivation.
• Art experiences help expand one’s capacity for empathy.

Aside from all of the research on art’s positive contributions to various aspects of human development, is the fact that the visual and performing arts provide some of the best opportunities for students to participate in the creative process.

A blank page becomes a drawing, perhaps framed and displayed in a prominent place in the home or the classroom.

The musical instrument resting silently renders a new version of an old song or even an original composition.

A digital recording is shared with one’s peers.

On the stage a young thespian interprets a role, making it her own, delighting of an approving audience.

A mass of damp grey clay is fashioned into a polychrome sculpture much to the surprise and delight of the young artist who has attempted to create in 3-D for the first time.

As an educator, it is been a real joy to have witnessed these and countless other examples of artistic creativity. The visual and performing arts contain the potential for great creativity, which means they have the capacity to provide transformational educational experiences. Absent the arts, our Mission to educate the whole child would be impossible.

One final note—arts education isn’t just good for students. In schools with a commitment to arts education, teachers tend to be more innovative, report more interest in their work, and enjoy greater job satisfaction. No wonder so many people tell me Country Day is such a happy place.

 

Coming up in the next Just Thinking, what do the arts bring to athletics?