13 Rules for Artists

How to Challenge Yourself and Stay Creative

Amy Ropple, Parker Middle School in Reading, Massachusetts

Made by Grade 8 Art Elective, Spring 2003

1. Do something new each time you make a piece of art.

2. Try new materials and processes.  Don't limit yourself!

3. Keep an open mind.
4. LOOK around you.
5. Don't get upset about the artwork you make.
6. After mastering one way of working with an idea, try doing it a different way - you might get a better result.
7. Try never to do the exact same thing twice.
8. Learn background information and do research about the idea you are interested in working on.
9. Keep the fun of art alive!
10. Get opinions from others.
11. Do something original.  Copying is for learning only.  Use your own ideas in your art.
12. Practice = growth.
13. Stay focused.

What is Arts Integration?

Arts Integration uses creativity and artistic endeavors to enrich the studies of all disciplines.  In approaching a lesson from multiple angles and engaging students both physically and mentally one can increase student motivation, improve problem solving skills, and help to build broader multicultural understanding.  Incorporating Dance, Music, Theater, and/or Visual Arts into other academic studies has been shown to improve student engagement, encourage better attendance and increase graduation rates.  In the pursuit of bringing this kind of enhancement to classrooms throughout Howard County and beyond this blog will be frequently uploading lesson plans, images, articles, and workshop dates and information.  The following links provide more in depth information about the advantages of Arts Integation. 

Arts Education Partnership

Arts Integration: The International Organization on Arts and Disability

Arts Every Day

Arts Connection

Please stay tuned for up-to-date information, ideas, and inspiration!

Everything in the universe has rhythm.  Everything dances. 

- Maya Angelou