Why Art Matters

My friend Robert Burridge, a well-known artist and instructor from California, writes a monthly newsletter  (“Artsy Fartsy”), which I receive via email.  In the last one there was a section on ”Why Art Matters." The complete article can be seen on the Website of the Santa Maria Arts Council in California. Included was a list that I want to share with you, at least in part.

The most important and perhaps the reason for the rest of the list:  “It enriches our lives.. Don’t we all feel inspired, uplifted, and joyous after a great performance, musical event or art exhibition? That is enriching our lives.

Among the other items on the list are the following, which I think are very important and meaningful to not only to the artists themselves but also to the observer/ participant:

• It builds communication skills
• It is what makes us human
• It enlivens our senses
• It expands our perceptual capacity
•  It increases self-confidence
• It is a reflection of our personalities, dreams, defeats, and triumphs
• It fuels the imagination

One of the items on the list especially appeals to me as a former middle school ancient history teacher: “it defines cultures over the centuries." My former students were all especially interested in the cultural aspects of the history course I taught. It was fun to see them realize how the arts affected the cultural growth  in all the cultures we studied and the vast differences in the art depending on where the culture developed, and the influences on the arts today.

The last item I found especially important is “it enhances our ability to learn." It has been proved that children who study the arts in school starting at the elementary school level, learn better in all their subjects. There is a distinct connection between math and music. It is my belief that if a student can have art lessons of some sort in school, he or she will excel in the other academic areas as well.

Which brings us to funding the arts in the schools. We are fortunate to have an excellent art program in our schools in Hillsborough County. However, the local, state, and federal governments are short-changing the arts; funding has declined rapidly, so it is up to us as concerned citizens to encourage our various  governmental representatives to support the arts and continue to grant funds at all levels. Please do that!

Upcoming events for Greater Brandon Arts Council

Dec. 8, 2011 – A Gathering at Center Place during the annual open house for the CP gift shop   “Pat’s Corner”,  as well as during  the opening reception for Diamari Christensen’s exhibition, “Journey” in the  Mook gallery.  The public is welcome.

Jan. 28, 2012 – concert by Barbara Bailey Hutchison, Grammy award winning artist – a must see event at Center Place.  Tickets available at Center Place at $20.00 per person.  A fundraiser for GBAC and Center Place.

Feb. 25, 2012 – GBAC  annual Arty Party and Membership Drive at Center Place - Refreshments, wine bar, silent auction, raffle. Lottery board, entertainment by local artists and much more!