me arts ed

Senior Shelby Black works with elementary art class for her senior project

Shelby with first graders

Student artwork from Mrs. Copp’s first grade Paris Elementary class was featured as the final state of OHCHS student Shelby Black’s senior project. Shelby’s project was based on the importance of arts education to prepare students for the Conceptual Age economy and workforce.

Black’s project entitled “Inspiration Celebration: Preparing Children for the Conceptual Age” for cused on teh importance of arts education in the core curriculum. Black’s project was overseen by the Western Maine Art Group as part of a year-long internship with the nonprofit arts organization in Norway.

Black said: “I have learned how important art is, especially in education. I believe that art isn’t just something to enjoy. It is something fundamentally important to humanity and we should do everything that we can to ensure that all students experience arts education in preparation for the Conceptual Age.

In her research Shelby learned that the world is shifting from an information-based economy to a Conceptual Age where right-brain skills such as creativity, innovation, and design contribute more heavily to the global market place. These right-brain skills are developed through arts education which is the foundation of Black’s project illuminating the critical need of arts education in the core curriculum.

Black will continue her studies next year by majoring in International Studies and Theatre at Elmira College in New York. For more information on Shelby’s project and the Western Maine Art Group please click here. If you have students who are using the arts in their senior projects please share the information here.