We argue that art education is a likely strategy to penetrate subject area barriers to best engage and build the educational scaffolding K-12 students need to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the 21st century. Since 2002, there have been calls to prepare students with 21st century skills and knowledge for them succeed in our challenging global community (Trilling & Fadel, 2009; P21 Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2002). This presentation will discuss how art education can help students develop skills in: 1) critical thinking and problem solving, 2) communication and collaboration, and 3) creativity and innovation. Information, media, and technology skills are also areas in which students must be literate (information literacy, media literacy, and information and communication technology). Current-events pedagogy and problem-based practice are effective in encouraging students to build knowledge and skills. This presentation will encourage audience participation to share their ideas and experiences.