When we explore something as “simple” as a canoe from functional, cultural, and historical perspectives, we quickly realize that these vehicles served both function and  form.  Those who designed and built canoes over the last centuries were artists, too.  Their skills were functional and creative.  Life skills if you will. Even Carty said that “it is a marvel in design and technology.”

Though we’re disappointed to take down last month’s exhibit, we look forward to making way for 27 new artworks created by gouache and pencil artist, David Carty. November 5 will be the day we put up another full exhibit called The Canoe and Its People.

As we look back on the recent generosity of our community, and the huge success of our “50/50 for kids” fundraising campaign, I want to encourage us, as those who desire to invest in our community, to continue finding all the opportunities we can to help develop the next generation of leaders in our region. Even if those opportunities are through a different outlet…one that we may or may not understand entirely.  Whether it’s in the arts…or not.

It’s important that I put youth in the room with someone I know will inspire them to develop both creative skills, AND life skills.  To pair them with the best mentors I can find.  Leaders in the community that demonstrate dedication, hard work, kindness, integrity, and passion for what they do.  People who realize that wealth is found in unexpected places, and the most important thing THEY can strive to do is impact others.  Besides the artistic skills they pick up along the way, I hope they remember the people they meet along the way.

Up here on my soap box, my message is always that the arts build skills beyond singing, dancing, acting, or painting; the arts help build the Whole Human.