Moffat County School District is mission-driven to help create opportunities for its students—all its students — to thrive. That includes a ton of focus on math, literacy, science, writing, social studies, etcetera. But it also includes whole-child education. Music, which we wrote about last week, is a big part of that. So is art.

Art classes in schools matter. Don’t take our word for it, read the words of our esteemed MCSD art teachers!

Dominick Cardile, Craig Middle School art teacher: “In Craig and the surrounding communities of Moffat County, where the landscape is essential to who we are, arts education in K-12 is more than a nice extra — it’s a vital asset for young people.

“For these students — who may not have frequent access to large urban arts institutions — their classroom becomes a vital portal for self-expression, for building literacy in creative practice, for strengthening identity and for connecting to community. Arts education supports not only technical skill (painting, drawing, sculpture, media) but also critical thinking, collaboration, communication and resilience. Indeed, the state guide for Colorado notes that ‘students thrive in creative learning spaces that support artistic risk-taking and recognize ‘failure’ as an opportunity.’

“Also, in rural contexts like Moffat County, arts programs help even the playing field. The Colorado Rural Schools Alliance underscores that rural schools need equitable resources and innovative opportunity so students can flourish. In Craig’s context, a student whose work earned a blue ribbon at the statewide leaders’ association remarked: ‘It’s helped me in math, reading … it’s helped me so much.’

“Overall, supporting strong arts education in Craig’s K-12 schools is an investment in the whole child—nurturing creative habits, academic advancement and local belonging. It leverages the region’s natural beauty, sense of place and community heritage, while opening doors for students to imagine, design and lead in their own futures.”

Michelle Parker, Sandrock Elementary art teacher: “A school without Art, is a school without color, imagination, or joy. Art isn’t just about making something beautiful — it builds critical skills that reach far beyond the art room. When students draw, paint and sculpt, they strengthen their dexterity and hand-eye coordination to support their writing. When they describe their art, they learn to put visual ideas into words, building stronger comprehension, vocabulary and communication skills. Art also connects to math through patterns, proportion, symmetry and spatial awareness. Creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving — all skills practiced in art — help students succeed in every subject. Without art we lose the things that fuel innovation in every field. It’s not extra, it’s essential!”

Teesha Reidhead, Sunset Elementary art teacher: “Walk into an art classroom and you’ll find more than paint, clay and crayons — you’ll find a space where imagination takes place. Arts education directly supports learning in other subjects. When students engage in the arts, research consistently shows positive impacts on reading, writing, math and science.”

“Art helps students make connections across subjects and understand concepts more deeply. One of the most beautiful things about art is that every child can succeed in it. There is no single ‘right’ answer. Students of all abilities, learning styles, languages and backgrounds can thrive in the art room. Art education enriches hearts, grows minds and empowers students to create, discover and inspire.”

“Art doesn’t just decorate our schools — it shapes our students into thinkers, dreamers, and makers.”