The Illinois Art Education Associations

Visual Arts Research Update

Elevated School &
Social Motivation

Art education fosters

meaning making and
heightens the connection
between mind and body,
building the capacity
to negotiate
visual culture.

Impacts of Visual
Arts Learning
Images are processed
from the visual cortex
to other areas of the brain
for constructing
and applying
knowledge.

Neurological
Studies & Human
Development
Art is a vital process of
human nature that engages
distinct neural networks
which increase
brain function.

Vol#3: Fall 2014 Edition

ART AND THE HUMAN BRAIN

Elevated School &

Social Motivation

Impacts of Visual
Arts Learning
-

and empathy, preparing students for civic

engagement in a democratic society.

and the anterior cingulate gate.

by stimulating and fueling specialized brain

regions critical for social development.

constructing and applying knowledge.

meaning making, and heightens the connection between mind and body; it builds
capacities to navigate a primarily visual
culture.

enable our ability to imagine and create

and distinct neural networks that increase

work.

each hemisphere, boosting visual perception, spatial navigation, and elevating the
development of procedural memory and fine
motor performance.

disciplinary reasoning.

offering safe, engaging, and constructive

environments during non-school hours.

Neurological Studies & Human Development

This special edition of the Research Update prioritizes the cognitive and neurological impacts
of arts learning. An investment in arts education is an investment in academic achievement,
social and emotional development, and civic engagement. History illustrates that artistic creation is a vital part of human nature. Art education fosters self-disciplined, compassionate, and
creative students who hold a sincere love of learning. Arts education addresses our nations
goals for our children and our schools by enabling students to transform the world through
innovation and creativity.

Contact Information: Chris Grodoski, cgrodoski@gmail.com

Contributors: Carolina Arroyave, Jessica Burton, Angela Lowery, Christopher Sykora

The ILLINOIS ART EDUCATION ASSOCIATION www.ILAEA.org