Every community can benefit from an investment in an education that prepares its citizens to better understand and appreciate the richness of artistic expression. By making art education an integral part of every school curriculum and certified art specialists an integral part of the teaching staff, people can look forward to a future of productive and caring adults, workers with adaptable skills, informed consumers, critical observers, careful and creative thinkers, and responsible decision-makers. Meaningful art education encompasses four broad goals: (1) perception; (2) production; (3) critical reflection; and (4) valuing traditions. The author looks at how each of these goals contributes to the development of lifelong skills and productive work habits.