Art Education with a Purpose

By Jim Day

In time of financial stress or budget cutbacks, unfortunately, the arts are among the first departments to be cut back or eliminated in business and education. This is very disheartening, considering the many educational and physical benefits that the performing arts, visual arts and art education provide.

Creativity seems to be wired in our genetic make-up. Granted, in some more than others, but Scripture says that we are all formed in the image of Christ who is the Author of all creation and the Supreme Artist. So, if we are creative beings, why are most of us not placing an importance on developing our creativity? Perhaps it’s because many of us don’t realize the practicality of the creative arts and art education. Putting aside the fact that art develops motor skills, helps hand-eye coordination, stimulates the brain to see dimension, enhances non-verbal communication, and is proven to be excellent therapy for special needs children; you would be hard pressed today not to find a job where the creative arts are not used in some way, shape, or form.

Take for example the visual arts. If you mention the term “visual arts,” most people think of paintings, photography or movies, which are indeed visual arts. However, the visual arts encompass much more and are all around us. Billboards, advertisements, book covers, web sites, newspapers, restaurant menus, church bulletins, your child’s text book; they all utilize graphics (pictures, logos, photos, wording, etc.) which are ‘artistically’ combined (designed) to convey a message. So, as you can see, visual arts are employed everywhere you look.

In the area of the performing arts, we immediately think of acting (the theater, motion pictures, TV), singing, music, and dance. Dance education is proven to stimulate the brain, increase memory skills, and mental development. It also provides physical fitness, and coordination. It teaches discipline, rhythm, and a spiritual awareness of the body.

Theater/acting education provides confidence and teaches good communication skills, as well as providing speech development. In the business world, communication, presentation and networking skills are crucial for success. Developing good communication skills is important for Christians in that we are commanded by Christ to be His disciples so that we may spread the Gospel throughout all nations.
Music is the essence of worship and creation. Using music education to teach a child to hear rhythm, and tone, and melody is invaluable. Listening to Mozart has even been proven to enhance mathematical skills, because Mozart’s music was built on mathematical equations.

Educating children in the arts is important. So, what do you do if your child’s school does not provide art education, or if you home school? There are many secular schools for the arts, but what about Christian art education?

The Ekklesia School of Arts is a newly formed art school in St. Peters, Missouri whose founder, Christina McArthur, is a firm believer in the importance of Christian art education. I spoke with her to inquire more about her school. Christina said that she was called by Christ as a child to share Christ’s love through the arts. Her passion is dance; however she has studied and has a heart for all forms of art. Miss McArthur believes that especially in today’s culture that one of the most effective ways to re-claim our youth for Christ is through the arts. According to Miss McArthur, “Children today are captivated by pop-icons, actors, musicians, and dancers. They want to dress like, act like, and talk like, one of their idols…most of whom are not Christian. If children are not guided towards Christian artists and taught the difference between art that is edifying to Christ and art that is self-centered and glorifying the enemy, we will lose this generation!”

At Ekklesia, children are taught that all art should be used as a form of worship to Christ. Miss McArthur explained, “By providing teachers that are Godly role models and surrounding children with Christian music and programs that promote moral and spiritual development, children are being discipled in Christ, as well as being educated in the arts.” She continued, “The goal of Ekklesia is to share God’s love and standards for living through the arts. The arts were created by God, the Creator; it is in His image that we were made and it is crucial that art education be a part of a child’s education.”

Offering classes in dance, art, music, and theater, McArthur talked about her staff: “I have a wonderful staff of teachers that God has brought to Ekklesia, including Cleve Ficklen, Masters Degree in Dance and Theater; Gina McAndrew, Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art and a Masters Degree in Corporate Communications; Jen Manes Bachelors of Art Degree in Dance and Windsor Pilates certified, just to name a few. All of our teachers have a passion for teaching children and a heart for discipling them in Christ. We feel that Christian art education is not only important for creative and mental development but is a powerful form of worship and communication, for leading others to Christ.”

The Ekklesia School of Arts is located at 124 Jungermann Road in St. Peters, MO. You can contact Ekklesia at (636) 447-0055 or e-mail them at cballet_2000@yahoo.com. For more information about the school, visit their website at www.ekklesiadanceco.com. Fall registration begins July 15.