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Nintendo Brings Art Academy To U.S. Art Classes

Similar to its European initiative, Nintendo has teamed up with the National Art Education Association to bring the drawing/painting Art Academy app to classes in the U.S.

Eric Caoili, Blogger

March 16, 2011

1 Min Read
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Similar to its efforts in Europe to introduce young artists to its Art Academy software through partnerships with museums, Nintendo has teamed up with the National Art Education Association to bring the drawing/painting app to classes in the U.S. Last month, Nintendo worked with the NAEA to distribute the software and Nintendo DSi XL systems to art teachers in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms as part of a program encouraging those instructors to incorporate Art Academy into their creative class activities. Developed by Headstrong Games, Art Academy features lessons in color, shading, perspective, and other concepts. Users can paint or draw on the system using its stylus and touchscreen, which Nintendo says will help them "practice and develop skills that transfer easily to real-world art materials." "The abundance of visual images being displayed through technology is transforming the ways art education in schools can be presented to students," says NAEA executive director Deborah B. Reeve. "Art class is one of the few places where kids can exercise their creativity and develop flexible forms of thinking to build additional skills for their future." Reeve adds, "We are thrilled that the incorporation of Nintendo's Art Academy into the classroom provides students with another creative outlet that supports teaching and learning in art, and the students agree."

About the Author

Eric Caoili

Blogger

Eric Caoili currently serves as a news editor for Gamasutra, and has helmed numerous other UBM Techweb Game Network sites all now long-dead, including GameSetWatch. He is also co-editor for beloved handheld gaming blog Tiny Cartridge, and has contributed to Joystiq, Winamp, GamePro, and 4 Color Rebellion.

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