Paint Your Way to Better Brain Function

Research studies in Germany, in conjunction with the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg suggest that “the production of visual art improves effective interaction” between parts of the brain - a worthy endeavor for the old and young alike! At Saints Cyril and Methodius School in Deer Park, Art Teacher Vincent Montella nurtures the students’ artistic abilities while educating them on the arts, both classic and modern, in the most hands-on ways possible.

Since the start of the school year, SSCM students in all grades have been studying various artists, their works, understanding their particular styles and favorite medium - each working on age-appropriate projects to showcase their newly acquired skills and learning. Students in seventh and eighth grades, for example, selected an artist of their choice from various periods in Art History. They then studied this artist’s works in more depth and emulated one of his or her works using acrylic on canvas to depict their own version of the artist’s style and techniques.

This Spring, the young artists will perform their “Living Museum”, in which each student will dress up as their artist of choice, and ”become” a living exhibit next to their own work of art. Think ”wax museum” come to life! Guests will have the opportunity to stroll through this Living Museum and ”interact” with the ”exhibits” by pressing a button at each display. The student-artist will Come to Life and immediately begin delivering a pre-planned speech he or she has written up and prepared, covering the life of the artist, his or her techniques and an interpretation of the particular work of art he or she chose to emulate.

While it’s a fun and interesting way for teachers at SSCM to help the material come to life, it’s also a smart way to enhance the love of learning while simultaneously boosting brain functionality. Apart from the recent research linking creative art to increased brain activity in seniors, countless childhood studies have shown that creating art builds confidence, introduces children to various cultures, helps children express feelings in a constructive manner, and has numerous positive physiological effects, from connecting left and right brain activity to improving hand-eye coordination.

For more information about Saints Cyril and Methodius School, contact the school office at 1.631.667.4044, ext 131, via email at admissions@sscmweb.org, or visit us online at www.sscmweb.org.