What is the Purpose of Art?

This is the question I posed to my 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students at the start of the year. In table groups, and with the aid of art postcards, students brainstormed reasons why people, for thousands of years, have made art.  We posted their findings in the art room and shared their responses.  "For decoration", "to have fun", "to record history", "to show your emotions" were just some of the ideas. We looked at this further and identified some reasons like, art can be functional, narrative, persuasive, for ceremonial purposes, and for artistic expression.

As students transition from their Personal Logo project to their CHOICE studio, I am asking them to consider their intent and reasoning for making their art.