Was I Wrong To Let My Daughter Attend Art School?

One morning in the spring of Grade 8, my daughter sprung some news on me.

She was thinking of going to art school.

Suddenly I was feeling a shiver of deja vu.

When I was in Grade 8, a decision was made that would alter the trajectory of my life.

I, like my peers, was tasked with choosing an educational path. One that would determine the curriculum I'd navigate through high school.

And I chose an arts-centred education. Because I wanted to attend the Ontario College of Art.

Janice Quirt thinks it is time to stop devaluing a career in the arts.

Raising Young Craig

My parents initially seemed supportive.

I thought I had explained why this choice was the right one for me.

But negotiations hit a snag when they realized that my arts option only took four years.

Back then, a standard go was five years. And since my parents perceived any four-year course as inferior, my arts-centred education was given an unequivocal thumbs down.

"I’ve often wondered how my life would be different if I had been allowed to make my own choice."

I felt the disappointment in my gut.

I didn’t think I would be the next Picasso — far from it. Up until that point, the height of my artistic achievements was placing third in my Grade 5 snow sculpture contest.

But I wanted to learn and had put together a good enough portfolio to be accepted.

I’ve often wondered how my life would be different if I had been allowed to make my own choice.

Raising My Daughter

When our daughter struggled with her decision to attend an arts-oriented high school — versus the large, academically focused high school a few blocks away — I tried not to bring up my past or regrets.

I’ll admit it wasn’t easy.

My wife and I are both creatives and, as you’d expect, we were thrilled when she decided to bet her educational future on art school.

At the same time, we had nagging concerns: Once she had formally made her choice, she was stuck with it.

She would not be allowed to switch back to our neighbourhood high school.

So I started to second-guess the decision. What if she lost interest in the arts? Would doors be closed for future education and career options? Would an art school provide the discipline and academic rigour required to compete for a quality post-secondary education? Was she being sentenced to a precarious future as a “starving artist”?

Attending her new school's open house laid these concerns to rest.

"I was thrilled to see how many were heading off to become doctors, lawyers, engineers and financial professionals."

The place pulsated with eclectic energy. Theatre students performed the musical Legally Blonde at what was, in our opinion, a near professional level. Bands rocked. Student tour guides shared the artistic creativity of their school with enthusiasm and confidence. Graphic and fine arts, photography, theatre, film and music were all shared with style and panache.

What we found most surprising was the school’s emphasis on traditional academics.

Subjects like math, science, languages, geography and history were taught by teachers who were passionate about sparking young people with a desire to expand their horizons beyond arts. Even more reassuring was viewing the list of recent school grads on the school’s Instagram page.

I was thrilled to see how many were heading off to become doctors, lawyers, engineers and financial professionals.

Are the thousands of dollars spent on her daughter's extracurricular activities worth it? Laura Mullin ponders that question.

Today

My daughter is now in her second year, and was recently one of several designers creating original outfits for a seemingly endless stream of student models.

The energy, beats, performance and creativity exceeded my most enthusiastic expectations.

As I watched these kids strut their stuff, I realized that I was experiencing something that transcended art.

I was watching a diverse group of young people working together synergistically. They were confidently flaunting their unapologetic attitudes and styles.

And suddenly, I felt a wave of optimism flow through me.

"This was Canada at its best."

This was the promise of Canada.

This was Canada at its best.

I know the immense responsibility a parent carries when a child must make decisions that will impact the rest of their lives.

But at that moment, I knew that her decision was right for her. And I had no doubt that we, as parents, were right in allowing her to make it.