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Sydney Picasso, a prolific author, acclaimed artist and daughter-in law of famed Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso, met with students at the Pilot School in Wilmington, Delaware, today to talk about her famous family and the importance of art in education.
Picasso, who lives in Paris and is a board member of the Royal Drawing School, the International Councils of the Tate Modern and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and a Trustee of the China Art Foundation, spoke about the critical nature of art in education, not only to nurture a child’s natural curiosity, but as a means of helping them develop academically as well.
“Art clearly helps to cultivate a child’s creativity, but it also strengthens their problem solving skills, teaches them both how to collaborate and work individually, helps them maintain focus and often gives them confidence — all of which are incredibly important life skills,” said Picasso.
“Pablo had a famous saying: ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up’. My hope is that these incredibly talented and engaged students will keep those artistic embers alive and continue to create and explore for years to come.”
Ms. Picasso was joined by Sam Sweet, the CEO and Executive Director of the Delaware Art Museum, for a lively discussion with Pilot students in the school’s indoor stone amphitheater. During the discussion, Pilot students, who have been learning about Pablo Picasso in class, added individual elements to a “Picasso-like” face abstract. The finished product will be on display in the school’s lobby for the remainder of the month.
“We are thrilled to have such accomplished guests join us today as we celebrate the works of Picasso and highlight the importance of art in education,” said Alexandra Kokkoris, Director of the Pilot School. “Many of our students — like many artists — don’t always fit neatly into a box: they are unconventional learners with unique talents, struggles, skill sets and gifts. At Pilot School, we focus on uncovering and unlocking the potential in each child, and often that comes through academic engagement combined with added support and exposure to art, nature and music.”
