Divinely Appointed - The Christian Arts Educator

by: Jim DeCesare

While exploring the current state of arts in education, it is easy to observe that institutional standards are mostly an amalgamation of the Western Art isms like Impressionism, Expressionism, and Romanticism. But mostly the Modernistic notion of, "Art for Art's Sake." It is also not a stretch to conclude that arts education is largely an imitation of a society that champions the increasing relativity of most things. In modern American culture, art has no one fixed position of truth.

The 19th century French slogan, "l'art pour l'art", or "Art for Art's Sake" was later made famous by American art critic Clement Greenberg (1909-1994). Greenberg explored the notion that art needs no function: no cultural, religious, political context...no practical or utilitarian application. No causation necessary. Focus is, instead, put entirely on the formal tenants of the art such as line, color and texture expressed by the artist. From the Modernist perspective, art in its purist form is free from the contamination of society. Greenberg's writings would elevate genres like Color Field and Minimalist Painting to the realm of high art, making artists like Jackson Pollock (1919-1956) famous in his own time.

Organizations like National Arts Education Association (NAEA) and the Connecticut Art Educators Association (CAEA) play vital roles by establishing disciplined-based standards, and promoting the arts in an effort to shape modern culture through education. These organizations have made an effective case to state policy makers that creativity is vital to a healthy society, and education is, in fact incomplete without the arts.  

I agree wholeheartedly, and also answer an even greater call; to see that my art and teaching ultimately points to a Godly realm of High art. All Christian arts educators should share the same fixed position of truth; that the art we make and teach reveals, (or has the potential to reveal) God's glory, and illuminate His kingdom. Dare I say, "Art-for Art's Sake," simply does not apply to this Christian arts educator.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever

you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

We are called to do all things, art included, for the express purpose of glorifying God. How then, do we as Christian artist educators discern the "value" of art? We can begin by viewing the work we create, analyze, judge, teach and promote more objectively. We can consider both Formalism and Contextualism to maximize the potential value of its use.

Formalism describes what the art is -or- one's logical reaction to the formal qualities of a creative expression, rooted in personal bias. "Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder." -Plato

Contextualism describes why the art is -or- a consideration of context; how factors such as faith, politics, and causation affect the artist's creative expression.

In my experience, Christian schools and churches tend not to fully consider the valuable context of art deemed, say, ugly or dark. When we make Holy only that which is beautiful, the arts become a mere nicety. Ironically, the most Holy icon in all of Christendom is the brutal crucifixion of Jesus. The truth is when exposed, "ugly" and "dark" artwork can be valuable, and even Holy. When we suspend our biases a bit so that we may look beyond formalism and consider context, we find that most art has potential to expand God's Kingdom often in unexpected ways!  

Walk in Love

Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:7-14

Special things occur in any community that embraces the arts. They have vitality. They become more cultured, relational, unified, innovative, empathetic, loving, engaged and spirited. When helping students grow in anything creative, it is vital to nurture an environment where students are allowed to be collectively vulnerable. I would argue that there is no other discipline like the arts where a student's sense of self-worth is in direct relationship to the measure of their success or failure. What better place to speak truth?

To my brothers and sisters in Christ who have been called to art teaching, I say; be excellent for God’s glory, love all of your students, pray for them, learn from them and each other…and where possible…reveal truth, disciple, teach redemption. Then make room for Christ to transform the hearts and minds of your students. Thankfully that part is His job, not yours or mine!