Art gives meaning to everyday life. (Outside the box: point of view).

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has always been a true sanctuary for me. Every time I step through the doors, I am amazed at the power that radiates through each gallery and seems to find its way into the Great Stair Hall.

From the bold griffins perched atop its rooftop, to the quiet, reflective corridors, this temple of art on the Schuylkill inspires me. When I see it from a distance while driving into the city, or approach it while walking up the Parkway, I find the building to be magnetic and majestic--connected to the city, yet up on a solid pedestal.

I am involved with the museum's teen docent program, which was originated by Marla Shoemaker, the director of education. It is a prototype for other museums, and for a very good reason--it wholeheartedly welcomes art-committed high school students on a regular basis, treating them as proteges. We attend seminars and then are given the tools--carefully designed gallery demonstrations and games--to help turn younger children and families on to the wonders of the museum's collection. It is remarkable how the museum sparks children's interests. I often notice families returning each Sunday to enjoy the activities.

At the museum, I have grown to realize that art appreciation is beyond politics and points of view; it is timeless and boundless. When I first started, I found that when I explained the gallery games to small groups, some of the families did not speak English as their primary language. Others were tourists, many apparently were new citizens. They listened and watched diligently. They directed their young children to explore the armor collection or focus on the Renaissance altarpieces. This proved to me that not only is this museum treasured by its neighbors but also by countless others for whom art is an international language.

Art can be appreciated for its appearance, but studying art history allows for a deeper understanding of the psychological component in the artist's creative process: the reason why he or she did it, and why, at that specific point in time, it was declared art. This is a part of art history I find fascinating. I especially relate to the art museum's Dada paintings and sculpture because the creators found artistic meaning in things people hadn't appreciated before, such as everyday objects. I enjoy the abstract expressionists because an important part of the art was the way they created it--their need to express their emotions.

The irony and beauty of everyday encounters can be appreciated more by learning about art. We develop a different eye for our surroundings and become more aware of the larger importance of what is happening around us. The view of life from an artist's perspective allows us to enter a metaphysical plane. We learn to value the time and creativity that is put into things, giving everyday life more meaning.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the local news section of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Friday, October 11, 2002.

Alex B. Kauffman is a freshman at Strath Haven High School and volunteer at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.