Our granddaughter Nicole is gifted in so many areas, including art. She has demonstarated her many abilities both in and out of school for many years. When she was in pre-school she had some of her art displayed on the internet, has written and illistrated several children's books, and sold a serious original painting for charity. 
Her appreciation for art is not limited to any one form. But it seems that her art teacher in school does not share this attitude. Nicole was recently told that cartoons are "stupid". OK, isn't that the idea? Cartoons are an exagerated expression of reality designed to make us laugh. In my oppinion, more at ourselves than anything else. What a wonderful way to release stress. Laughter is a gift. Stupid? Yes, but stupid in a very good way. Thank God Nicole is secure enough in who she is and what she does to let narrow minded comments of others role off her back. On the other hand, if her teacher is promoting a certain art form, Nicole should practice that form for school. But she should never give up what makes her happy just in order to fit into a square box artificially created by someone else.Thomas was adopted from Thailand when he was nearly 7 years old. He has suffered from feelings of "not fitting in" and "not being able to live up to" the expectations of the ridgid society in which he lives (Germany). Thomas also has had a great deal of difficuly establishing friends. Part of this is based on language, part on appearances (Asian in an Arian community), and part on his inate insecurities. These insecurities were the result of not having a family of his own till adopted as an older child, kind of like a ferrel cat. For years Thomas' grades and social interaction with class mates was poor. But he is now in a school that has many international students. It was not an overnight change, but his most recent report card reflects the result of long hard months of slow change. Yesterday Thomas brought home a very good report card. Way to go, we are so proud of you.
Art is subjective. It's too bad her teacher doesn't see this. It's sad when a teacher isn't encouraging to a student. I'm thankful Nicole and Thomas have positive role models at home.
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