Message from the White House.(school's out!)(First Lady Laura Bush on the merits of art education)(Brief Article)

School Arts, September, 2003 by Bush, Laura

Art education allows children to enjoy life, to explore their talents--whether it be coloring, painting, drawing, writing--or anything else they love. The arts have the unique ability to instill discipline, build self-esteem, and provide positive outlets for self-expression.

At every stage of our lives, we have something to give or gain in the appreciation of art. When we give something to the arts--as students, artists, teachers, enthusiasts--we contribute something vital not only to the arts, but also to ourselves and to each other.

--Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States (from Alabama Arts Education Plan, 2002)