Art teaches creativity as well as...
Patience: Art not only teaches patience to the student while in the creative process, but also to the teacher. Everyone comes in with different levels of creativity and it is up to us to be patient in teaching our students to ensure they get the most out of our class.
Trust: Art allows a certain level of trust to be built between the students and teachers). This allows students to trust their art teachers in suggestions of techniques, and materials to be used, and to believe them when a teacher says "Trust the process". Without trust, a student may not feel comfortable enough to push themselves to their full creative potential.
Bravery: Art allows students to showcase their bravery in multiple ways. Some of these ways include trying new materials, attempting a new style of art, and creating art that is extremely personal and meaningful. It takes great bravery for a student to be able to showcase their deepest thoughts and feelings within their artwork, and art is an outlet that allows them to do so without judgment.
Understanding: Art teaches both teachers and students that when creating, there must be understanding. They must understand not everyone creates the same. Not everyone has the same art skills as others. No two pieces will ever look the same. Everyone's art is unique. Everyone's art is valid. Everyone's art deserves to be seen.
Connections: Art allows teachers to help students connect art to many different topics within their education and lives. Teachers can teach lessons on cultural and historical art to connect to history. They can also teach lessons that have to do with shapes, symmetry, and measuring to connect to math. With art, connections are limitless and allow students to gain a broader understanding that art is in almost everything we do.