Art has been used to document things since the beginning of time, as a tool and something special. I’m sure you’ve seen some art, and been told about how deep it is, but have you ever been told why it’s so deep? Do you know why it’s so special? Well, believe it or not, it’s not just about being a way to share your talents!

Art can be characterized by many complex symbolism, colors, and styles, but even if you don’t understand it, the base emotion put behind it can be understood by everyone.

Art can be a huge coping skill, AKA, a sort of super power used to cope with life struggles, like depression, anxiety, or grief. Therapist Shayla Sanford, who works with teens at Imagine by Northpoint, is very passionate about the topic.

“I use art therapy all the time. It really helps patients express emotions and trauma in ways that they can’t express,” Sanford said.  Art can be used to calm you down, or help communicate your struggles in universal ways.

“Doing all the activities we do here, we can see a side of patients they would have never admitted, and learn more about how we can adjust their treatment to them,” Sanford said.

Additionally, Mrs. Mitera, 2D, and Graphic arts teacher, states, “I think art can save your life. For some people, art classes are just a box to check toward a graduation requirement. Other times, art becomes such a powerful tool for self-expression, reflection, and even healing.”

Students who create art widely agree, and use art to deal with stress, exhaustion, and similar daily problems.

Sometimes when I’m sad or struggling, I do make art, and at least half the time it helps me feel a little better,” senior Makenzie Nelson said.

Art can give people an escape from reality, their struggles, and it can help them communicate said struggles without having to use words, which don’t come easily to many. These, and more, make art a perfect candidate for a coping skill for teens when experiencing the stress of daily life. As Junior Taylor TenEyck from Westview says, “Art is my life.” – “When I struggle or feel anxious or upset, art is my happy place. Often, I feel more relaxed when I’m done.”

Art is such a powerful tool, and it doesn’t have to be just for teens, it can be used for anyone who likes to create, as 2D art teacher, Mrs. Wegener, claims, “I started my career with a more romanticized idea of what being a teacher is like.  Now, I know that teaching, like every job, comes with unexpected, unpredictable, and challenging moments and tasks.” She later says that her quality of life, self-confidence, and mental health improved because she gets to make and teach art every day. “[Art] gives me a feeling of peace and the opportunity to be myself and share myself with others.”

As mentioned before, art can even help those who create it put a name to complicated emotions they feel, emotions that they may not be able to express through their words. Freshman Alyvia Bazan claims, “When I am struggling, I create art to help me process my emotions.” Art helps many “get it all out there”, in a sense, and advocate for themselves when words don’t come easily.

All in all, art is not just an elective; art is a form of help and peace in times of struggle. It’s not just a canvas, or an art tablet, or a piece of paper, it’s a tool for freedom and expression in ways unimaginable. As Mrs. Mitera says, “Art is not just something you do, art can be what defines you!”