There will be some that question if we need an art center in Ocala. The Ocala Art Group is confirmed that such a center is necessary. In fact, we believe that the continued development of our city and citizens depend on it. Studies prove that exposing people to art help develop their social standing, self esteem and skills in their educational development.
Any artist will tell you that art is work. Yet art can also be used beyond the behavior of creativity, self-expression, and communication. Through art, people learn the feeling of self satisfaction of work done to the best of one's skill. Therefore it creates the revival of the idea of 'good work'. Learning the joys of work through art encourages other growths of work for personal fulfillment, work for social recognition or work for economic expansion. Good work is an expression of one's character, and good work ethics can be contributed to art. Productivity and workmanship is an honored skill in our society. Both of these ideals are strengthened through art. The thought that art is the best way for every young person to learn the value of good work is valid. Art as well can promote self esteem through development skills needed for social acceptance. Analytical skills and the process of understanding are developed through participating in art. Art encourages analytical skills in the beginning stages of art. It requires the individual to break down thoughts and ask questions on what technique to use in order to reach a conclusion. It also shows the participant that the conclusion will not always be what you expect. Cognitive and physical skills learned in art encourage expression which leads to better communication skills. Art increases a person's perception and also uses necessary uses of short and long term memories. Art promotes imagination that causes thoughts to rise above limitations of old thought and enables thoughts 'outside of the box'. Through art new concepts of mental organizing and retrieving information occur which produce critical thinking and problem solving abilities. Learning art techniques and styles help develop observation, analysis, interpretation and evaluation skills which transfer to one's surroundings and other areas of educational development. Self esteem grows from making good choices which are developed from the skills learned through art. Arts education increases interest in academic learning, cognitive and basic skills development and the development of academic achievement skills. Art develops self motivation. Choices are needed to be made before a project begins. Deciding on what color, size, spatial relationship and what type of medium to use in displaying the project begins decision making thoughts. These steps are the basis for decision making concepts. Because there is no right answer, as it is left open to the imagination and decisions of the one taking on the project, there is no fear of failure or inferiority. This concept encourages inquiring and answer-thinking questions. The quality of developing an inquiring mind and seeking answers carries over to academic learning. The two correlations between art and reading are learning to communicate and mastering a clear use of symbols. Studies have resulted in the findings that those children that are allowed to participate in art are better readers and creative writers. Therefore by establishing a building for the arts to be used by children and adults we feel that we will be benefiting our present and future adults and the society that they live. We hope you will join us in this effort to bring an art center to the city of Ocala.
Ocala Art Group membership is open to all who share an interest in fine arts.
The objective of the Ocala Art Group is to provide programs that appeal to every art enthusiast.
