Steve Jobs was undeniably successful. What made him so successful was not only his gift with technology but his creative mind. He had a creative vision for his product and strove to make it different from everything else on the market. He surrounded himself with other creative minds to create the now iconic Apple designs we use daily and Pixar films that we all know and love. What made all of his companies so successful was his insistence that his technology specialists work together with artists and designers to create a unique product.
Art Education teaches the essential skill of thinking creatively. For an adult, creativity can make a difference in landing their dream job or not. The job world is looking for individuals who can think outside of the box, problem-solve, and work as a team. They are looking for idea generators and entrepreneurs. Art education develops these important qualities in children along with skills like perseverance and craftsmanship. If taught early and often, art education can make a huge impact on the way we think.
I will leave you with a quote that sums up my philosophy of Art Education: "Art has the role in education of helping children become more like themselves instead of more like everyone else." - Sydney Gurewitz Clemens