Art for His Glory

A large, heartfelt congratulations to Pinnacle Classical’s Art teacher, who was recently married this past Saturday!  We are sad to see her leave, but know God has called her elsewhere as she begins a new season of life. On her last day, Wednesday, we took some time to show our appreciation and ask her a few questions.

1. What was the catalyst for your interest in Art?

I have always been creative, and started Art lessons when I was five.  My parents saw that I had an interest in it, and it grew into a passion.  Art does not simply mean paints and oils and sketching for me; I am a very hands on person and love to do projects with my hands, so Art includes things like building, as well.

2. What does a typical Art class look like for you and your students?

I like to base my lessons around a particular artist or art period, so our projects are always based in history.  One of the best ways for them to learn has been for them to look at what the artist has done and work to make something similar, while studying styles and other aspects of the works.

3. What is your favorite thing about Art?

I like art that makes you feel something, or has an emotional aspect. For example, a piece of artwork reflecting a beautiful place is able to stir up in a person a desire to travel.  So the best thing about any type of art is that it conveys emotion.  It can tell a story as well as words can.

4. Why is Art important? (Why should we teach Art to our children?)

In our culture Art is not very highly valued, especially as a career, but ironically it is something that means a lot to many people.  The reality is that Art has a huge impact on us; for instance, graphic design is very relevant, and some people communicate, or self-express, best through Art. That form of communication is important to give or nurture in children.

5. In what ways does Art relate to the Gospel?

In class, we always talk about glorifying God through art, as with anything we do. In Art, we are able to rejoice in God’s creation, because we’re replicating and celebrating the Creator and making art as God’s image bearers.

We value Art at Pinnacle Classical ultimately because our propensity towards beauty is from the Lord, and because we have been created in God’s image, the beautiful Creator.  As Carolyn Mahaney wrote, “through [Jesus’] death and resurrection, he made it possible for us to see and savor true beauty once again. In the person of Jesus Christ and his substitutionary sacrifice, we most clearly see the beauty of God here on earth.”  Therefore, Christians can rejoice in making art in any form, knowing that this is an action reflective of God, and because Jesus Christ has redeemed us to see that anything beautiful on earth is only a shadow of God’s glorious beauty.