Art is for Everybody

Art is powerful because it helps us see things differently and from someone else’s perspective. The benefit of art surpasses simply decorating space. Art should be accessible to everyone. Art shouldn't only be for the elite who have enough money to purchase paintings for millions or even billions of dollars. All of us should be able to benefit from the ideas and concepts that are shared by artists. When we look at art, we have physical, emotional, and intellectual responses. The brain releases dopamine when looking at art, creating a feeling of pleasure. Looking at art creates emotions of empathy. And intellectually, the brain thinks critically about what you are looking at when you’re looking at art. We should all be able to experience the power of art.

To many, it may seem like art has gatekeepers, people who don’t want to make art accessible in an effort to maintain privilege and power. In Washington, D.C., many museums that belong to the Smithsonian Institution are free. But in other parts of the country museum entry can be costly, eliminating access to an entire class of people. Many museums do have free days one day of the month where people who cannot afford the cost of admission can benefit. These days are usually full of people and activities. So, while the museum on any normal day can feel overwhelming and quiet, a free day is ideal for young ones, so they can partake in activities that will help them better engage with the art. 

Another great way to introduce young audiences to art is to meet them where they are. Teachers are a great conduit to art. Museums across the country have educator days where they help teachers incorporate art into their lessons. So, students get to engage with art on their learning level. School trips to the museum cannot be discounted either. Dedicating a full day to going out into the world to acclimate children to an art museum environment is invaluable. Many artists have said that their introduction to the idea of being an artist was on a school trip. These are ideal times to take advantage of docent tour guides and curators who are happy to share what they know about the art and artists and for students to ask probing questions about their thoughts on art.

It is especially important that when introducing art to students that they see art that represents their identity. It is so easy to go to a museum and focus on Renaissance and Baroque art by European masters and totally miss out on the art made by artists that represent the student body. While not all museums will have artworks by the few African American artists who were making art before slavery ended, contemporary art galleries are filled with representative art. And though contemporary art may need to be explained a bit more than understanding representational figurative art, this is an awesome opportunity to help students think critically. Helping students understand the meaning behind works of art will open them up to understanding more of the world.