The Importance of the Arts (Editorial)
If CHS didn’t offer art classes, would students have time to make masterpieces like these?
Art classes should be as available to students as any other class. Core classes (math, science) are a common priority for students that are mandatory to take. Art classes can be just as important, but aren’t always as available or are seen as less important.
CHS is lucky to have a variety of these classes available for students. Design, digital design, drawing and composition, and crafts are all available art classes with no prerequisite. This allows any interested students to enjoy creating works of art in school.
Just because you sign up for an art class, however, doesn’t mean you’ll be placed in one. Core classes are seen as the top priority. The electives are chosen around that. Students interested in building their future around art may be held back by the school, thinking math classes would be better for their future. English classes won’t further a photography student to their highest potential.
Art classes are just as important as any other classes to some students. Even those who aren’t looking for a future as an artist can see the benefits of having these classes available.
Gloria Kim, a drawing and composition student, said art classes are important “so we can unleash our creativity.”
Art classes also add a reprieve in a busy student’s day. They can take a break from the more stressful classes and relax with their art.
Many of the more creative electives only meet four times a week. All language and core classes meet every day of the school week, but several of the available art classes only have four days a week while the other day is filled in with a study hall.
There are many benefits to having these classes available, but some of the options for more serious artists aren’t available to students without a prerequisite. Students don’t have the ability to take a photography class without first taking a digital design or drawing class. Young artists are restricted from reaching their full potential because their art is seen as less important than math and sciences.
Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2015-2016 Periscope staff, CHS Administration, or the CHS student body.
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Kenny Brenizer is a junior and the perspectives editor for the 2016-2017 Periscope staff. She does no sports. She has no hobbies. She just wants cats and...
Gretal Shank • Dec 9, 2017 at 11:03 pm
Yes, you are so right! I wanted desperately to take an art class this year as a freshman, but I had to take a language and I couldn’t just quit band. Maybe I could, but I payed a lot of money for my french horn and I can’t just give it up. I love art so much and I am a very creative person. I guess I could have taken gym online, but I didn’t know that was an option until now. Besides, I do Cross Country, Track, and Indoor Track. Why do I need to take gym? I could be unleashing my creativity instead of standing in a loud room with kids shoving past me and ignoring me because they think I can’t shoot a basketball. I can, by the way. Anyhow, I just had to vent out my frustration. Stay imaginative, guys! And girls!