path too soon -- does it have to be science OR art? Engineering OR
Not only are the existing Art in Action lessons filled with integration
dance? Medicine OR theater? Why can’t it be both?
ideas with these subjects, but we are also developing new lessons
that are built from the ground up with STEAM at the core. These
In this age of hyper-focus on career readiness, we should keep in
include an exploration of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, where
mind that STEAM can help develop something vital to our
the physics of cantilevers combine with the beauty of site specificity
future...and that is unleashed creativity. In a recent study published
and planar design, and a fascinating study of spirals in nature where
by Adobe, 85% of people said that creative thinking is critical for
students combine gardening, math and art curricula while unlocking
problem solving in their career. What I am encouraging is to find out
the codes of the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio. Once
how to break down barriers between disciplines to unleash the
students' eyes are open to the new ways of looking at the world that
creative potential in our students.
a study of art provides, their ability to bring that creative viewpoint to
In recent months, Art in Action staffers have presented visual arts
lessons at a number of conferences focusing on STEAM education.
other STEAM subjects really comes to life.
At Art in Action, I know only a small portion of the tens of thousands
of students that we inspire each year will go on to work as
professional artists. But I truly believe that the skills that students
learn in the arts will translate fluidly into other disciplines. I know we
can inspire a new generation of Renaissance kids.
Jeffrey Dollinger has over 20 years of non-profit
management experience including major cultural and
educational institutions like Invent Now and ѡ