Response to Jillian Covey: Significant or Irrelevant?

Jillian asked, Do you think that artwork created for an art class or as an assignment should still be considered art?

Let's review some of the definitions of art we've come up with as a class. We spoke of intentionality--the intent to create art. Art that is created because of an assignment definitely falls into this category. Even if your intention is to create a piece of art to get a good grade, you still have the intention to create art.

Another definition of art we explored in class is the conveyance of an emotion. Even if the student in the class does not put much effort into his work of art, chances are he will still convey an emotion. Whether he actually feels that emotion while creating it, or it is just the viewer of the piece who picks up on the emotion, the chance of a piece of artwork having no emotional content is slim.

All in all, I would definitely say that artwork created in a classroom setting counts as art.

Question in response: Do you think that forcing our children to take art classes (as many elementary and high schools do) creates in them an appreciation of art, or does it cause them to resent it?