ABSTRACT
Artists don’t suddenly appear in class; they already exist, but schools teach them not to use these skills. Art teachers must reorient so that they see their students, and therefore see the skills and interests the students have. Once teachers pay attention to their individual students, they can begin to understand how these students can find their unique voices in art class. It doesn’t take a certain level of experience to be considered an artist, instead it takes an open and welcoming environment that allows both the student and teacher to grow in their understanding of art. A balance must be struck between teaching art history and showing examples of well-known artists while also making it clear that students are making art for themselves, not to reach a standard set by others. To find the artist in every student, they must be encouraged to be themselves and find their own voice, relying on their creativity and ideas in order to make their ideas a reality.
