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Advocating for the Arts – A Personal Point of
View
(to be published in the JCAC biannual newsletter
12-05)
When the theme for this
newsletter was first proposed, arts advocacy, I started asking around
about what exactly people thought of arts advocacy. It seems that it is
one of those fuzzy, feel-good terms, and everyone has a different
interpretation. As a working artist in love with my own medium, I still
find it difficult to beat the drum and tell everyone how wonderful the
arts are; that they’ll make you smart and beautiful and get you the best
date at the prom. That they will make you “kultured.” So I thought I’d
give you a personal perspective of the people who have been most
influential in my life by encouraging my development as an artist, in
other words, arts advocates who have helped me.
Parents
From the time I first coveted that box of 64 Crayolas with the
built-in sharpener, my parents encouraged me in my artistic efforts.
They provided materials, lessons, visits to arty places, books, and even
decorated their own home with lots of art.
Teachers
Mr. Harding in junior high school allowed me to create the ugliest
ceramic frog sculpture (which I still have). Mrs. Byrd and Mrs. Love,
were sticklers for handing in those weekly drawings. And to all the
other teachers I’ve had who have exposed me to new materials,
techniques, and who critiqued my work, I say, “thank you.” I would
never have pursued my art career without your help and encouragement…and
patience.
PTA / PTO
My fourth grade class put on a spring musical for the PTA. Jack Everly
and I spent a rainy Saturday afternoon designing a puppet stage…with
real moving curtains. I went on to become an artist and Jack became the
lead conductor for the Indianapolis symphony. Thanks to all the PTAs
and PTOs who sponsor and raise money for their schools’ arts programs.
School
Boards My school system had a wonderful arts program with choir,
band, drama, and plenty of the visual arts. They also had an on-site
museum, the only one in a public high school in the country. I thought
everyone had paintings by famous artists in their schools. Thanks to
all the school board members for their vision of making well-rounded
citizens.
Government
Agencies and Legislators I have been the direct recipient of a
grant through the Indiana Arts Commission, funded by state and national
agencies. I have visited museums and received referrals from government
agencies. Thanks to all the elected officials who continue to believe
that funding the arts is important to our communities and the nation.
Patrons
From the first painting that I sold in high school, individual patrons
have always been some of my biggest supporters. Their encouragement and
kind comments provide moral support, and the money they spend for my
artwork allows me to create more art. Patrons are the grassroots of
arts advocacy.
All of these people have touched
my life through the arts. They are all advocates for the arts in some
small or big way. Perhaps you see yourself in one or more of these
roles. You may never know the personal impact your support of the arts
will have but on behalf of current and future artists, I say, “Thank
you!”
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