Why the Arts?

Why the Arts?

Most people’s concept of the arts is that of passive enjoyment. They think the arts are a luxury only available to the wealthy.

But for the rest of us, art is something different. For those of us who dance to feel liberated, or write poetry in order to live... For those of us who have smeared paint with children who speak a language different from our own... and for those of us who have witnessed people overcome addictions through the rhythmic beating of drums... we know art is more. We know art transforms.

If you’ve never thought of the arts as being quite important, perhaps it is time to reconsider. Here are a few truths about the arts and their redemptive qualities that may change your mind:

-The arts are statements of the human experience. They enlist all of the senses, elicit strong feelings, and engender rigorous activity of the mind.

-The arts demand active participation, concentration, and discipline. They ignite ideas, ingenuity, and imagination.

-The arts cultivate a sense of self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth.

-The arts are a process, not a product. They incorporate multiple learning styles and foster healing from emotional and physical trauma.

-The arts draw people together. They encourage cooperation, group work, and helpfulness. They build relationships and promote a deeper understanding of others (Smith, Sally. The Power of the Arts: Creative Strategies for Teaching Exceptional Learners, 2001).

-The arts bypass our natural defenses and allow our internal state to be expressed externally in a non-violent way.

-Wherever art is, change will come. The arts build and improve, educate and inform, inspire and mobilize, and they nurture and heal (Cleveland, William. Mapping the Field: Arts Based Community Development. 2002. http://www.communityarts.net/readingroom/archivefiles/2002/05/mapping_the_fie.php)

-The arts help us see God's creativity. They help us find our purpose and incite our creativity too. The arts also release stress and most importantly, the arts are fun! (Joshua Cooper, 1st Year AIT Student).

So why the arts? Because they are an innate power within us all, waiting to be freed.

-Celmali Jaime

Reflections from a First-Year Student

Reflections from a First-Year Student

It has been my experience that the individuals facilitating this program are passionate about urban communities and are keenly aware of the pressing needs they face. I truly respect their innovation to formalize the technique of using the arts as a way to engage, inspire, and release the human spirit. It has been my experience that they are committed and passionate about developing and equipping dynamic and savvy individuals to lead within the urban context.

I am a person who is passionately committed to personal and professional development in the arts and to develop young minds and leaders within my surrounding community. It is my assessment that this program will prepare me with the comprehensive knowledge and skills to serve as an agent of social change in my community. I can also see that this program will provide invaluable mentoring as I move forward in my career and as I seek to be a catalyst for change in my community on behalf of arts education.

My favorite experience thus far in the program was participating in the breakout sessions at the Summer 2008 Residency. It was so thrilling to be exposed to a new art experience and to share that experience with others!

Jill Osielski
First-Year Arts in Transformation Student

Arts for Peace in Guatemala

Arts for Peace in Guatemala.

Imagine teaching peace in a place where violence is always the answer...

This past July, a group of Arts in Transformation students traveled to Guatemala in hopes of teaching peacemaking skills to children in Guatemala's toughest neighborhoods. Armed with a peace curriculum and an arts typology of their choice, they headed into the gang-controlled slums in hopes of achieving the impossible.

Here's what some of them had to say:

David Melby-Gibbons (pictured above): Teaching music to these incredible children was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever been asked to do. I'm not going to sugar coat the experience or try to sound like a hero. It was tiring. I didn't always feel full of light and love while standing up in front of the class. Some days were harder than others, but the kids' smiles and hugs were enough reward for each day's work. I saw the familiar glimmer of Jesus' eyes in their eyes which have survived a lot of pain. We were reminded (again and again) that we live through the Spirit, the presence of God who binds us together, keeps us going, and teaches us all how to love. One highlight was teaching these kindergartners how to "Scat" sing. We introduced them to the vocal improvisation of Ella Fitzgerald, and explained a little of the history of Jazz music. Then we asked them to make up something entirely new with their voices. They were initially reluctant, but the majority of the group eventually joined in as we passed around a ceramic mango and took turns "scatting." It was a wonderful moment!

Aleea Slappy (pictured right) : The resilience of the children in La Limonada was surprising. There was a stark contrast between the living conditions in La Limonada and the upbeat, hopeful attitudes of the children. Each morning when we arrived at the school, the children would greet us with smiles and hugs as we walked to the building. By the third day teaching in La Limonada, I felt emotionally and physically drained, but I was able to gain strength and energy from the children. They were anxious to participate in our classes, sing and play games. Since the children came to La Limonada and persevered, then I knew that I could as well. While in La Limonada I learned to be flexible, I learned how to manage my emotions and I learned to be resilient.

Joshua Cooper: Leadership. That's what the children at La Limonada gave me. I usually don't trust or value my own ideas, and I don't make decisions quickly. But I am good at building relationships with people. I developed relationships in which ideas and quick decisions were required. I was able to start where I was strong and progress to building strength where I was weak. That is why I enjoyed working with these children. Through the students and staff at La Limonada, I became a better person. In my old age of 33 years, I received that which I had never received, or learned. Through them, and with the help of Almighty God, I became a great leader.