Ruth Lande Shuman is painting over the cracks that troubled youths or quiet children usually slip into. By founding Publicolor, Shuman is using art to help at-risk students succeed well beyond the program.
“We teach through product design,” Shuman said. “We engage our kids in a subversive way. You had no idea that you were learning math and reading. They were making products.” Publicolor utilizes seven different programs — each with unique courses of studies — to lead students to new understandings of academics through artistic expression.
Shuman even said that the very color of the walls in a school could cause some students to shut down. “There’s a disconnect between our expectations of excellence and the environments in which we put these kids,” she said. Shuman explained that color can have a psychological effect on children, and by harnessing that effect, art can act as a teacher.
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Art can lead to an increased understanding of many other areas of life. If you or someone you know is struggling academically or at work, considering signing up for an art class. Lessons have a broad range of appeal and can help foster a love for art even for individuals who lack artistic backgrounds. Painting classes cover all types of projects and mediums. You can expect to receive instruction on acrylic, watercolor, and oil paintings, as well as landscape, portrait, and fabric painting. Painting is a great way to relieve stress and reorganize your life. Taking the time to enroll in a class on painting will pay off by offering you a valuable hobby.