Do We Need Art in Our Lives? Do we need art in our lives? Should viewing art be part of every child's education? Does it make us smarter or expose us to new ways of seeing the world? In the Opinion article "Art Makes You Smart," Brian Kisida, Jay P. Greene and Daniel H. Bowen write about a recent study on the educational effects of visiting an art museum. For many education advocates, the arts are a panacea: They supposedly increase test scores, generate social responsibility and turn around failing schools. Does viewing art matter? Do you ever visit art museums? Do you enjoy the experience? What kinds of art do you most enjoy looking at? Do you feel that art has changed you in any way?