In many ways, art could be considered the most important subject. Art expresses ideas and thoughts where words cannot, which is why it transcends any language and stands as its own form of communication. Children learn to draw and use Play-Doh before they can write because art stands at the center of creativity. So it is important UF have an art museum where students can find a source of inspiration when words simply don’t suffice. It’s called the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art.
The problem is that students’ views of the Harn are tainted early in their careers by the dreaded class What is the Good Life? At this point in time, partaking in the thoughts and experiences of humans across space and time is substituted for completing a worksheet. Good Life ruins what the Harn could potentially provide students during their times here. Therefore, a visit to the Harn needs to be cut from the curriculum.
Whether students should be forced to go to the Harn for class really brings about a bigger question: Should all freshmen even have to take Good Life? However, there is a cavalcade of former and present students of the course who have a much stronger opinion on that topic, which is why this article only looks to salvage the Harn from the clutches of that class.
Proponents of a Good Life visit to the museum may argue the forced visitation brings people to the museum who would not go otherwise. Even if this were true, it forces a first and last visit for many, formulating enjoyment in a small handful and instilling an unjustified hatred toward the museum in the majority.
The Harn has a lot to offer. Among a wide variety of artwork, it currently has a Monet painting on display. Monet is known as one of the most important artists in all of history. His significance alone could be a reason to visit the Harn. The museum also has free events, gardens and even art classes. However, merely mentioning the Harn only reminds many students of What is Good Life?, so it never occurs to them to visit the museum again. They might make us fill out another worksheet.
This week is the last week for current Good Life students to visit the Harn for credit. Hopefully it will be the last time freshmen will be forced to visit the museum. If anything, students who take the course should be forced to visit the butterfly garden at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and visiting the Harn could be an opportunity for extra credit. Currently, it is the other way around, and anyone who has been involuntarily dragged to the Harn knows the best part of the visit is its proximity to the butterfly garden. While forcing students to go to the Harn may presently deter them from appreciating what art has to offer, it is very hard for any soul to feel even an ounce of angst in having to see butterflies.
UF may want its students to develop an appreciation for art, which is probably why Good Life students are forced to visit the Harn. Nevertheless, forcing an appreciation for art upon college students is like an overpowering parent teaching art to a child for the first time. As forcing Play-Doh into children’s faces will probably make them hate it, mandatory attendance to the Harn dawns upon the same emotions. Like leaving paper and colored pencils on the kitchen table, as long as the museum is well-advertised, college students will eventually figure out for themselves all the Harn has to offer.
Joshua Udvardy is a UF mechanical engineering freshman. His column appears on Wednesdays.
