After reading “Folk Art in the Urban Art Room” by Donalyn Heise, I have come to the conclusion that folk art is an asset to the urban school curriculum. Folk art has been passed down for generations through families and through the culture itself.

            Heise mentioned in her article that urban communities students were considered to be “at risk”. A teacher’s job is to facilitate and adapt to any students needs in order to provide a wholesome education for the students. Teachers need to develop lessons that the students can relate to because of their interest or culture. Children are like sponges they can absorb and retain as well as adapt and grow. It is the teacher’s role to make sure that students receive a wholesome education and they are prepared for the future.

            Folk art and urban art can open many doors for students. Heise stated in her article that many students have never been to an art galore; folk and urban art can be found in the home as well as while urban students are walking to and from school. These art forms are everywhere. The goal is to get these students interested in something they could potentially thrive in. One of the nice things about these art forms; is that they can be appreciated by everyone, no matter what your background is. With a new knowledge and understanding for art; students can “pass on” the information to friends and family members and get more people interested.

            I believe that if you can have one passion in your life you are set. A passion such as one involved with art can help you develop and grow as an individual finding yourself as well as scholastically. Folk art is not typical art works, these works tell stories. The viewer then is able to learn about the past and incorporate these stories into their future.

            I particularly found the part about quilting in Heise’s article very interesting. Heise’s talked about how the artist would piece together a quit made out of family members clothing in an aesthetic way that is not only pleasing to the eye but also is able to show future generations a piece of their ancestry. These quilts act as away to bring the past into the present.

            Students can gain knowledge through urban and folk art and share with classmate’s values and understandings that can be appreciated by people of different cultures. In conclusion it is the teachers role to understand the needs of each student and adapt to their needs.

           These examples of urban and folk art are all around us. They are seen in homes and in the public eye outdoors as well as in galleries and museums. Works like these can hopefully mend students’ perceptions of art and visual media and help them develop an understanding of art in culture. 

           I personally feel that folk and urban art are great forms of art to show students because culture is ever changing and these forms have so many branches of different types of media. Folk and urban art include dance, song, paintings, mixed media, sculpture, drawing and much more. Being that there are so many branches of this type of art students can find art that is relevant to them. The students can hopefully learn to develop art and incorporate the art into their everyday lives and connect with their local culture. Folk and urban art help connect students with the community and art with everyday items. Folk art isn’t just something that has to be viewed on a wall form a distance; it can be enjoyed and used practical items seen in the house. You don’t have to be a formally trained artist to create folk art.