The importance of Art and education

Today is 2025, and I find myself in a contemplative mood about the situation of art and education, especially for young people. With so much conflict, upheaval, and change going on, and the adults in their lives struggling with daily activities, it's more important than ever to consider art in education, especially starting at a young age.

When I was younger, I was extremely fortunate to have art every year of my education from first grade on. If I did not have this all the way to senior year, where I took advanced placement classes in New York, I would not have had the foundation to get me through all of life's challenges to end up becoming a successful artist based in Buffalo, New York, and even painting with a disability.

We should welcome and encourage institutions and educational systems to devote more of their time and attention to the arts in general so that everyone can experience the essential mental and therapeutic benefits of this wonderful genre called the arts.

The Collapse, 30"x40", acrylic on canvas, by Scott Olmstead, abstract geometric disabled painter in Buffalo, New York. This is the varnishing stage, which means it's ready to be purchased.