Art is a universal language, a form of communication that is a reflection of our world throughout history. As teachers of art at O.B. Gates Elementary school, our goal is to provide a positive atmosphere in which each child is able to learn about the elements of art. We teach the basic artistic and life skills of seeing and observing, imagining, problem solving, and critical thinking through lessons designed to fit the diverse developmental needs of our students. We teach all children to value and respect themselves, each other, and the individual creative abilities that exist in every person. Art is an essential part of our world, and it touches almost every aspect of our lives. It is our goal to help students develop a lifelong participation in the appreciation of the visual arts!