Art is a special way of knowing and a way in which people explore and understand their world.  Art is and has been a universal language for all cultures and periods in history. It conveys knowledge and meaning not learned through the study of other subjects. Art education represents a form of thinking and a way of knowing that is based in human judgment, understanding and exploration. Through education in art, students in the Lawrence Public Schools:

• learn about the power of visual images to influence human behavior, their aspirations, and those of society

• explore their own potential to think creatively, to solve problems with ingenuity and to respond to events and experiences with confidence

• discover their artistic heritage and learn to understand the culture of which they are a part and those of others with whom they live

• understand that they can affect improvement in the environment and that they can shape their lives, their communities and their nation

Students in USD 497 begin art instruction in the elementary art classroom.  Art instruction continues through elective courses at the junior high and high school.  Students begin with an exploration of art at the junior high and then move to two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms.  At the high-school level, students have the opportunity to explore drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelery, photography and graphic design.  Advanced Placement Art also is offered at the high school level.

To learn more about the art education offerings in the Lawrence Public Schools, following the links to the right.