The arts bring immeasurable value and joy to our lives. Yet, too often we fail to appreciate their role in educating and shaping our children.

So, two programs highlighted in recent stories by reporter Loren Moreno in the Island Life section offer a glimmer of hope that arts education will continue to bloom.

In "Posters for Peace," sponsored by The Mediation Center of the Pacific and the Hawai'i Association for Conflict Resolution, nearly 40 pieces of artwork are displayed at the state Circuit Court building. The project challenged students to create art messages of peace and nonviolence.

A $5,000 grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation enabled students throughout Kailua Elementary School to work in different media with professional artists. Each grade level donated their art to area nonprofits. As artist Karen Kiefer noted, it allowed the students to feel they're making the world a better place. What a powerful lesson.

The arts are more than just a feel-good exercise. They nurture us intellectually, emotionally and spiritually, they help us grow and help build community. Used in conjunction with core academic subjects, they can not only foster learning, they can provide alternate avenues for education for children with learning challenges.

The educators and parents who fight for the arts as support dwindles, the community agencies that help fund these efforts and the artists who give of their time to our children all deserve our applause — and our help if we are able. Those efforts will pay dividends today and in the future.