Unlock Your Creativity: Why Art is Essential for Everyone

Judy Bruce

Art enhances our ability to truly see the world. Seeing is not an innate talent but a learned discipline. In our technological age, this skill is crucial. June King McFee, an influential art education author, highlights several reasons why individuals must cultivate the ability to see:

• Words, the foundation of education, stem from what we see, feel, or hear.
• Without sight, we miss out on intriguing, beautiful, and exciting aspects of life.
• Lack of seeing might cause us to overlook ugliness until it’s too late to address it.
• Recognizing similarities and differences in our environment helps us understand how things work.
• Drawing communicates complex ideas that are difficult to express in words.
• Drawings serve as essential planning tools for various disciplines, aiding in idea retention.

As a college art major, my perspective changed when tasked with drawing a tree precisely as I saw it. Despite being familiar with trees, I realized I had never truly observed one. The exercise revealed the intricate details of a tree’s structure, from the substantial trunk to the delicate twigs.

This drawing experience was transformative. It demonstrated how seeing enriches our understanding of the world. The Sonoran Arts League offers opportunities to develop this skill. Join us to genuinely see and appreciate the visual delights around us. Additionally, visit our summer exhibition, “Ah, Those Lazy Days of Summer,” to experience the beauty firsthand.

The Gallery operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visit our website for class schedules. Remember, “You Gotta Have Art!”