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• Students who study the arts are four times more
likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
PUT THE‘A’ likely to be recognized for school attendance.
• Students who study the arts are three times more
HELP THE NAA
Arts education helps students build confidence,
develop motor skills, and hone their decision-making
and problem-solving skills. It helps people adapt to

IN STEAM a changing world by better understanding diverse
cultures.
At the Naples Art Association, these findings are
nothing new. We know first-hand the importance
by Laurel Meny of arts education. While we see school budgets
F or dozens of years now, educators and business people have emphasized the our classes, workshop, and exhibits geared toward
shrinking for the arts, we are gradually increasing
importance of a STEM-based education curriculum – one that encourages the
the younger generation. We provide hands-on arts
teaching of science, technology, engineering, and math to the next generation.
education to over 1,200 students in and around
But, a new movement that is taking hold adds the ‘A’ in arts to replace STEM
Naples each year. Every summer, we offer our popular
with STEAM. But, why? What is the importance of arts education in a well-rounded
ARTScool program which provides project-based
student? Actually, the facts are quite interesting.
learning that incorporates math, science, language,
The included infographic created by the University of Florida shows the “half-brain”
history, technology, art, and design to painting,
education – or one that relies heavily on either left brain or right brain subjects - is truly
drawing, constructing buildings, creating comic
not in the best interest of students, or employers for that matter.
books, designing jewelry, producing digital artwork,
By studying successful individuals who displayed strong characteristics from both
hand building with clay, printmaking, and assembling
sides of the brain, we are able to see the importance of seeing things from not only a
3D sculptures—and so much more.
technological perspective, but from a creative perspective. Some examples include Steve
How can you help add the ‘A’ in STEAM for a
Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Marissa Mayer.
student? Donate to the NAA and give them the
THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S FINDINGS: opportunity to attend ARTScool. The cost is just
$125 to send one child to ARTScool for a week.
• Students who study the arts for four years in high school score 98 points higher on the Contact the NAA today at 239.262.6517 or visit
SATs compared to those who study the same for half a year or less. www.NaplesArt.org for more information.
32 Life in Naples | February 2017