I am writing this post with a somewhat heavy heart concerning our understanding (or lack of) the importance art has played in human development. I am beyond words but I will try to explain.Yesterday, a good friend of mine called me and told me about a new art gallery opening in the little town of Leeds where I live. She said that the opening was in the evening and would I like to come. I was so excited and grateful that she called to let me know about it. And of course, I said yes.
Now, my friend's husband owns a garage right across from the gallery and it was there that I agreed to meet her and her husband so that we could go together. As I entered the garage I was greeted by her husband with a warm hello and a "how's Mrs. Trump doing?" Now anyone who knows me at all also knows that I would never support ignorance and violence and white (male) supremacy. (Keep in mind that it is NOT white males, but rather the supremacy that I do not support.) I did not smile and in front of everyone there I reminded him that he knows I am not a fan. But the story does not end here. Oh no!
I turned and started across the street towards the gallery and was joined by another art enthusiast who mentioned how upsetting it was to her that the National Endowment For the Arts was no longer in the federal budget. I returned comment by saying that I was upset as well. All of a sudden we heard the most ignorant comment of all and I quote " I don't think it should be in the budget. Let them work for the money the way I have to!" (yes, it was my friends husband) All I could say was WOW!
I had such a hard time sleeping last night as I thought about his comment and the thought that there are others out there who think the same way. If there ever was an appropriate time for "What would Jesus think?" it was now.
Art is everything to the development of humanity. It gives us hope and helps us cope. Creativity is coping in motion and it does not matter what form it takes. But above all.....IT IS A MATTER OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND WORLDLY CELEBRATION! It soothes the soul and speaks volumes when words fail us.
Did I say any of this to him? No I did not. I just turned and continues to walk across the street.
The show was beautiful and the talent was abundant. The rooms were filled with color; vivid color that made me smile. It told me stories about the artists and their interpretations of the life around them. I left feeling good about that part of humanity that keeps me uplifted.
Art matters....in every form. Namaste my friends. Namaste
