Students open themselves to the new ways of thinking, describing and categorizing. While learning to use, respect and take care of the materials they are experimenting with multiple ways to approach a new task; practicing and refining the new skills; striving for the right words; describing artworks and ideas. The artworks are presented to cheering families, friends, and outside community during art exhibits.

Students indicate that arts participation motivates them to stay in school, and that the arts create a supportive environment that promotes constructive acceptance of criticism and one in which it is safe to take risks. ~Barry, Taylor, and Walls. Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development. AEP. 2002