Op-Ed: Art History is Essential to Catholic Education

NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER
By Dale Artis Hackerman

An early Paleolithic painting of a bison from the Cave of Altamira near Santillana del Mar, Spain (AKG/Newscom/Bildarchiv Steffens)

The church’s role and support of the arts throughout the development of Western civilization cannot be underestimated. In many U.S. public high schools, budgets are being cut, especially in the arts. So why mention the importance of a strong curriculum in art history as part of a well-rounded Catholic high school education? Because I believe that when students study art history, they become closer to the church on an intellectual and cultural level that greatly enhances their relationship with God. Art and religious expression go hand-in-hand, and the importance of art to convey spirituality is ancient. It has existed since the dawn of civilization. [Dale Artis Hackerman is chair of the fine arts department at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken, N.J.] [link]