One thing that has always played a huge role in human lives is art. We started off using it to communicate on the inside of caves. Then currency, and now decoration and as always, self-expression. The arts have always been my favorite subjects in school. Art class and hearing the music class from down the hall. My art skills have improved and stayed with me beyond elementary and high school and I managed to squeeze a few into my college schedule. Art has helped advertise for war, peace, different rights, what you believe in. A very sad fact is that many schools are limiting or removing art classes altogether.

Did you know that art program funds have been cut in 80 percent of U.S. schools? One of the surrounding schools in my area just cut their programs and I've heard a rumor about my school limiting their programs too. Do you know what that means for some of those children? Those that use art to focus or get a break? That use art to cope with daily life issues? A lot of people that aren't too involved in such subjects may not understand how important these programs are for developing children.

Some of the developmental benefits of art include language development, motor skills, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, cultural awareness, and improved academic performance. With art, we learn with our eyes and hands. We touch and mold and change things to better fit us and please our vision. Learning different variations of art encourage us to express ourselves in many ways. Through art you learn about different cultures and what their arts meant to them or how they stood out. We learn how they've influenced what we may be passionate about. We also take away a sense of patience when growing and using art in our lives.

Art also can be used as therapy. Living with depression I've learned to use my art to distract my mind and slowly live with what's going on in my head. When the thought of self-harm pushes it's way up, I use my pencils and paints to express my emotions or how I'm feeling. There have been nights that I didn't sleep because I didn't trust myself to leave the image I was working on yet. It also helps me to improve my skills. When stressed with school, doodling or watching different art forms than I'm used to, helps me calm down and prepare to tackle something again.

For me, when I can't bring myself to talk to someone when I am at my lowest, it helps to draw and write my emotions. When words fail my hands find the perfect lines and shades to help me get through the dark cloud. Like listening to music and for those playing it, art helps release dopamine. Art literally helps us be happier. The music we play when we are sad is for a reason, as are the pictures we seek out when down. We are self-medicating in away.

Among the many reasons as to why art programs need to stay in schools is for the kids that aren't good at or able to participate in athletics. Not all students will be able to find a stress release from other academics through sports like some kids and programs aren't something you find outside of the school setting. My art classes helped a lot more than you would think, as well as many of what I learned doesn't apply just to art subjects.