Bethany Lutheran College education majors in the Integrating the Fine Arts class recently welcomed about 30 young learners to campus for a hands-on exploration of art, language, and imagination. The experience, held on Wednesday, October 22, invited children to discover the creative styles of artists Claude Monet and Georges Seurat and then express their own ideas through watercolor, paint, and oil pastels.

The activity helped children see how storytelling and art connect—a key principle in fostering curiosity and creativity at an early age. Guided by Bethany’s education students, the young participants experienced the joy of creating something uniquely their own while also learning about color, texture, and design.

Research supports what teachers witness firsthand: engaging in the arts builds new pathways for learning. Art encourages imagination, fine-motor development, and emotional awareness, while strengthening children’s ability to think critically and express ideas beyond words.

“The arts give children a powerful way to express ideas, explore emotions, and make connections to the world around them,” said Dr. Carrie Pfeifer, professor of education at Bethany Lutheran College. “When our education majors design and lead these kinds of experiences, they learn how to nurture creativity in their future classrooms while helping children see learning as joyful discovery. It’s a blessing to watch both groups—college students and young learners—grow together through art.”

Bethany’s teacher-preparation program emphasizes the integration of creativity and faith across all subjects. Experiences like this allow future educators to practice teaching methods that reach the whole child—mind, heart, and soul—while also reflecting the beauty and order of God’s creation.

Read more about the benefits of early art engagement: Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota – Art and the Young Brain: Engaging Children in the Arts

View more photos from the event: