Why do we need the Arts?

As we proceed in the 2012 year there is talk of budget cuts, decreases in giving, and most of these have to do with the Arts & Culture area. So the question has become, why do we need art and culture? Think about it, what does art do for an individual? It allows the individual to express themselves, it allows the person to be creative, and it allows the individual to work out the solution with what they have at hand.

Art allows one to relax, replenish, and re-think ideas, expressions and statements. Art creates an oasis where one can refresh themselves with paint, chalk, clay or whatever medium the individual chooses. Yet there are those of us that have chosen the path of art not for vacation, but for vocation. We walk this path every day in one fashion or another. We may illustrate a story or a book. We may create a campaign to promote a product or service. We may paint a portrait of a loved one, or a landscape nearby. We may sculpt a memorial or something that is utilitarian. We may also use our talent and skills to teach what we know so that you may enjoy the many facets of Art. Some will utilize their talents to help individuals cope.  Yet when every new year comes about and budgets are made, one of the first cuts in education, and communities are the Arts and Cultural programs. So how do we as individuals help the arts? Support them, visit a museum, look for local exhibits, donate what you can to a local art organization, or take a class in painting, drawing, ceramics, or photography. On this journey of life, see how artists help you along the way. You may be surprised at what you find.

This author for one has learned a great deal in the Arts.

Creativity - I learned to be more creative, by taking written words and turning them into pictures to help tell the story.  To make a mundane object look like a thing of beauty

Task Oriented --I learned to do what needed to be done to complete the task. Many nights while in college after working a part time position and a 45 minute train ride, I learned to utilize that ride into a brainstorming session for the days assignment and once at home would complete the next assignment that was waiting to be completed.  Some nights, this meant finishing the piece at 4 o’clock in the morning. The next day would soon start and I knew that I was current and on task with all of my assignments up to the one that was passed out the day before.

Improvisation – I learned to improvise, when an assignment was not going as I thought it would, I would improvise with a different medium or when I needed to see a hand or foot at a different angle, I would use my own or ask a family member to strike a pose.

Research – I learned that knowledge and research of subjects was needed to help illustrate the story or campaign. This was before the internet so the library, magazines, and my own camera were tools used to help me research what I needed to help complete the task.

Observation – One of the most important tools in the artist’s tool box is the tool of observation, seeing how the line flows, the color changes, how the face looks at different moods, or how the shadows are cast at different times of the day. Observation of those around you will help you decide as to how to react to their situations or needs.

Time Management – I learned that working too long on the initial thought process would hinder the final execution. So I trained to work quickly and set deadlines to meet each task of the project.

Project Management – Each piece is a project, whether it is a solo or a team effort does not matter. The completion of the project is the task. Managing the components of the project becomes essential to make the deadline with a completed and excellent product.

These are some of the many things that I learned as I study art and these are some of the things that we all need to help us on this journey of life. So when the budgets are passed around and the arts programs are on the chopping block make an issue to keep them from getting cut. The Arts can work with a minimum budget, most artists do any way. But the Arts cannot exist if the doors are closed on museums, events and most of all classrooms.

So support the Arts, keep the Arts and Culture in the budgets. Take a class when and where they are offered. Visit a museum, a play, a concert, or visit a local Art event, even make a purchase from a local artist. You’ll be glad that you did and we hope that you will see why we need the Arts.

Author's study of Pennypacker Estate in pen & ink