| "Art is a survival tool, it enhances peoples lives in ways that cannot be fathomed. As an art educator, I cannot through my own efforts eliminate any of the social ills prevalent in our world. My art room should be a dynamic location within the world, a place where meaningful art learning and world understanding take shape. Without question, I cannot change the world through art education. But, each of us should strive to make a difference in those we meet. We must engage the teaching of art as if the world and its inhabitants mattered – because rightly so, they matter deeply. I can show my students the world of art that encompasses the rich history, the excitement of production, the language and understanding of critique, and the personal appreciation of aesthetics. These four practices will allow my students to not only experience the prevalent enjoyment of making art, but to also utilize the cultural background in their creating, and to have meaningful dialogue about their process. My ultimate goal for myself as an art educator will be to not only teach my students about great art and artists, but also about the greatness in themselves." - Theresa Latour |
