Is Specialization in Visual Art Important?

Is Specialization in Visual Art Important? 

I was recently involved in a conversation concerning specialization in art. Those involved in the debate were split between whether or not it is important for an artist to only focus on one form of expression. The debate boiled down to two conflicting points:

The first point, a painter who also focuses on music-- or sculpting, photography, and so on-- as a form of expression may in turn become a better painter overall. The idea being that an artist can improve as a whole by spreading out his or her efforts.

The second point, it may be better for an artist to focus on one form of expression rather than explore different forms of self-expression. The idea being that by branching out creative endeavors an artist may cripple his or her efforts as a whole.

I must admit that the outcome of the debate was rather gridlocked. That said, I would like to make my opinion on specialization clear. I personally take a some-what middle of the road approach to the matter of specialization concerning art depending on the context. While I do agree that it is important for an artist to have creative experiences outside of his or her focus of artistic creation I also feel that it is important to establish a specific direction.