A child’s art class is about much more than the colorful creations on the family fridge. It’s a space for self-expression, creativity, and exploration where students gain confidence and learn to see the world in new ways under the guidance of passionate and talented educators.
March is California Youth Art Month, a time to spotlight the transformative role of art in education. At Modesto City Schools, art isn’t just an elective; it's a vibrant part of the student experience that fuels curiosity and supports learning in all subject areas.
From drawing and painting to ceramics and animation, students across the district are encouraged to experiment, express, and explore. Behind every student's masterpiece is a teacher who inspires them on that journey.
Franny Hartley, ceramics teacher at Johansen High School, sees the power of art unfold in her classroom every day.
“Art allows students to express themselves in a healthy and safe manner, and to experiment with new things,” she said.
Hartley believes the benefits of art education extend beyond the canvas or clay.
“Art is the connector,” she explained. “Something may not make sense in math or science class, but when it’s been laid out through an artistic lens, the brain makes that connection more easily.”
In her ceramics classes, academic crossover is common. Even simple things, like learning about chemicals in a certain glaze, relate back to math or chemistry.
The impact of this work is easy to see. From early elementary school masterpieces to gallery-worthy high school tours de force, student artwork lines the walls and fills the display shelves of the district office.
These visual expressions remind students of what’s possible when students are given the tools and encouragement to create.
“We are teachers who are obsessed with art,” Hartley said. “We’re obsessed with talking about it, teaching it—our passion is that buy-in for our students, and we offer many opportunities for our students to be creative.”
Modesto City Schools celebrates Youth Art Month by recognizing the teachers behind the talent and the students whose creativity continues to inspire. With dedicated educators leading the way, the future of art education is bright, bold, and full of possibility.