The OkieLegacy

Castle On The Hill
1937 The Ranger Annual
Northwestern State Teachers' College

Art Department

You may think you are not interested in art, but you are; every normal human being is interested in art. Beauty is the basis of all art, and where is the person that does not love beauty: As far back as we have any record of man we find in him this desire for beauty. The first weapons were made for use to kill animals for protection, for food, and for clothing, but man was not satisfied with articles of use only; he soon began to embellish them with carvings and decorations. Man still has that desire for beauty.

Art education is practically new in the schools of this country. The first attempt to utilize art in the public school curriculum was made in Boston in 1821. Art has made wonderful progress since then, but has not made the progress it would have made had the emphasis been upon the right thing. Our slogan is no longer "Art for Art's Sake," but "Art for Life's Sake," and "Beauty and Happiness in Life."

Students are beginning to realize the value of art education, and no longer do they feel that art is for the talented few only, but for every one. What are some of these values, and how does art education help meet life's needs? Some of the contributions are worthy home membership, civic beauty and civic pride, pleasant streets, better communities, more attractive homes, better personal appearance, enrichment in the use of leisure time, culture, and refined taste. Curriculum makers are realizing these values of art education and are including it in the elementary and secondary curriculums. Because of this there is a larger demand for art teachers. This year nine art majors are receiving degrees, and will be prepared for this work.

Northwestern's Art Department is much larger, and is better equipped now than it has ever been. It has grown from one room to three class rooms. It has a real studio, a crafts room, a regular class room, a storage room, and a office.

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