Art offers students around the world and at Adams High School the opportunity to express themselves through a variety of forms such as: photography, painting, drawing, music, dance, theatre, and writing for generations. Many of the most creative minds in America discover artistic abilities through art programs provided in schools across the country.

However, since the national budget cuts, schools repeatedly toss aside art programs in favor of Common Core classes such as math and English. Many schools focus on preparing students for standardized tests to prove academic intelligence. As a result, administrators are removing more and more art classes out of many schools, particularly low-income schools. By doing so, schools are emphasizing educating students to be doctors or engineers instead of creative, innovative thinkers.

One art teacher at Adams High School, Debbi Bovio, believes one of the main reasons for the decline of art programs in schools across America is because of the negative stigma that art will not better society or the economy.

“I believe there has been a slow erosion of art programs in America over many years due to a lack of financial support and the outdated belief that the arts do not play an integral role in the nation’s economy. The best and brightest districts across America maintain the progressive view that a huge part of our present and future economy relies heavily on the creative industries. There has never been a better time to pursue a career in the arts,” said Bovio.

Art programs around the country are essential for students to express themselves and use their creative abilities to benefit society and their careers. Art has always had an enormous impact on society and the world to this day, and many careers require the creative abilities and thinking skills that are not achieved through a typical class (such as math or English). The world is becoming more and more technology-based, and the demand for careers in design and advertising is increasing daily. Adams sophomore Zach Adams uses art as a form of expression. Art has become a part of himself and his daily life thanks to his exposure to art ever since he was a child.

“As a photographer, art affects my day-to day-life significantly. It is a creative outlet I use as a way to express myself with the help of art programs, classes, and teachers,” said Adams.

Art programs such as the one offered at Adams are essential for students to develop their creative abilities in and outside of school. The belief that art is not as influential or important as other curriculum is simply outdated. The arts has played an integral role in society over the years. By inducing budget cuts and eliminating art programs, the benefits that a creative student can bring to any job or the economy is limited. Art is a beautiful form of expression and is extremely impactful in the workforce and daily life.