Worked an event this week for Arts Activism. Basically using the inspiration and power of the performing arts to effect positive changes in the world. Big words, but essentially, singin' purty and inspiring good thoughts. I loved it. Jane Fonda spoke (tiny little woman, but gigantic brain), Renee Fleming sat next to Martha Stewart. Dame Martha smiled at me and I nearly fell over backwards. Felt like a Domestic Benediction.
The organization is superb and it's deeply inspiring to see what inherent power lies in music to be harnessed for changes in everyone's life.
As Arts programs in schools diminish--using financial bind as an excuse while sports programs mysteriously flourish, I can't help but wonder what happens to all that creative energy that will not be channeled. If you are not an athlete, then do you matter any longer? And if your energy is more artistic than athletic, are you left to fend for yourself or join the smokers behind the bleachers and hope for the best... (Sorry, was just reliving a memory). Science proves that energy doesn't dissipate. So if creation isn't tended, does it then become destruction? From Kwan Yin to Kali in a few short semesters.
(Once again... a memory).
To see this program light up the lives of students in inner cities is humbling and a gigantic relief. I hope to see it move out of the metropoli and take effect in areas where budding artists are ignored... sometimes scoffed at and not encouraged.
Cheers to these people!
Well written. It sounds like a very 'new york' event. Thanks for sharing. -marilyn
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