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The Arts Need You!by Jayne Behman2009 is over . . . another notch on my survival belt.Once again, twelve months to go. I certainly don't intend to sound pessimistic. The truth is, I like a finale as well as I like beginnings. Concluding tasks makes me feel I have satisfied an agreement, accomplished what I set out to do. For instance, a clean house gives me a sense of serenity. Setting and re-setting goals brings about thoughts for, and anticipation of, future desires and needs. I resist making New Year's resolutions. We can never anticipate what tomorrow may bring. Happily, 2010 will be my first year not to promise to start a diet. Nor is it my intention to join a fitness center, simply because I am lazy. Flexible life plans work best for me. Like a thumbnail sketch for a larger painting, the pre-planned outcome can evolve to become something else. What if I finish all my chores early, what shall I do? On to the next series of paintings, how do I start? Will I ever be content? It makes me crazy to think that meeting goals are how I make my mark in this world. Creativity is the acceptance of change that can arise out of our control. The legacy of a visual artist is the artwork.In this time of fast changing technology and interactive media, will the stationary art form soon be considered passé? Will the baby boomer generation, that is now in its 60s, embrace the concept that centers for arts will become living entertainment venues that quench an immediate thirst for a social encounter? How do we instill the idea to our young adult generation that collecting art is food for the soul rather than only for investment? 2010 promises continued financial challenges for the arts, artists, fine art galleries, museums, and performance centers. We must work together to defy dwindling venues. The only way to keep the arts alive is through education and public awareness. The San Luis Obispo Art Center aspires to be this county's art museum. Its board members embrace this dream. They must defy a current global recession to raise funds to build a new building, along with sustaining the ongoing Center's need for operating costs. San Luis Obispo County needs an art museum. Certainly one could draw worldwide attention to our area. The Central Coast would be seen as an arts sophisticate. It is promised that future plans for art exhibitions will inspire all viewers. Education outreach programs are being planned. Helping an exceptional museum come about is an opportunity for community involvement. A recent LA Times article quotes survey conclusions by the National Endowment for the Arts: "The NEA's Survey of Public Participation in the Arts, conducted in May 2008 (before the current economic downturn), reported that 34.6% of adults had gone at least once in the previous 12 months to an art museum or seen a play, jazz performance, classical concert, opera or dance -- the lowest percentage in a quarter century." These studies indicated that children involved in the arts had improved test scores and a better self image/self esteem, greater attendance in schools, demonstrated enhanced ability to creative problem solve, and a tolerance of other's differences. The importance of this article is that it points out a correlation drawn between adult arts patrons and being exposed to the arts through education as a youngster. Without an appreciation for the arts, why would you be a patron? Don't we want our youth to be productive, morally responsible, and thoughtful human beings? Participation in the arts at a young age helps to forge the child's curiosity about what is near and far. The quality of education in the United States is of utmost concern and a topic of ongoing debate. A SLO County Museum may be the correct response to what is needed by our Central Coast youth. They certainly do not have exposure to the arts on a regular basis in the public schools. Today, all museums and arts centers are experiencing money troubles. But, let us not forget the research studies by notable institutions such as Stanford and Yale that proved the benefits of having an education in the arts. Consider adding to or making a 2010 New Year's resolution to include supporting the arts and artists in our community. Get involved in local arts centers. Embrace the San Luis Obispo Art Center's concept to recreate itself as a museum and raise its roof to new heights. Want to know what's going on in your arts community? View these event calendars:
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The Business of Our Towns
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It's Our Nature |
Slo Coast Life |
Slo Coast Arts
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