Why art is important in preschool (and elementary school too)

From the Dec/Jan issue of Mailbox magazine (an idea book for teachers)

"82% of scientists responded "YES!" they would recommend an arts and craft componet in education as an important background for scientific innovators....why?  Because they believe that promoting creativity and problem solving sets the stage for innovative thinking years later."

  This is why it is important to give children a variety of experiences....so they can use their brains to think, not just memorize or regurgitate answers