Why Invest in Art Lessons?

Learning how to draw, paint, or sculpt enhances skills used in observation, pattern recognition, and concentration. It is a whole-brain activity, linking visual, spacial, and motor processes. For people who struggle with executive functioning, such as those with ADHD, drawing can be a powerful way to improve skills like inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.

Art lessons have been shown to improve communication skills through enhancing the student's self awareness and emotional vocabulary. Art itself has the ability to cross language barriers and express thoughts and feelings through a visual medium. This can be especially powerful for students who struggle with articulating their ideas or who are non-verbal.

A study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that across all age levels taking arts classes outside of school was linked to increased math, reading, and science scores. Among high-schoolers the benefits were even greater, with increased graduation rates and GPAs. 

Both children and adults who take art lessons enjoy improved resilience, increased problem solving skills, more positive approaches to learning, greater tolerance and compassion for others, increased self-esteem and a greater sense of community.

Adults and children alike who participate in the arts have lower rates of depression and anxiety and lower stress levels overall. Art provides a healthy outlet for dealing with difficult emotions or periods of life. Research shows arts participation is linked to reduced rates of cognitive decline, improved mood, and mental flexibility, even among dementia patients.