Arts Place offers important opportunities

To the editor:

It’s 1992 and I am a 7-year-old girl living in the small rural community of Jay County.

There were no computers, iPads or other electronic devices in my house. The only phone in the house had a long, curly cord that reminded me of a giant ramen noodle and a dial on its face.

Speaking of faces, there was no Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to keep us updated and in touch with the latest community happenings. We found out about things the more traditional route, word of mouth, paper copies and the radio. 

I still remember receiving my very first Arts in the Parks catalog at school. I couldn’t wait to take it home and show my parents. I was elated when they registered me for the classes. Getting to learn about making paper, working with clay and learning how to weave was a memorable experience for me. 

Being able to share that experience with my 8-year-old this summer was a great feeling. I am so glad our community is still able to support programs like this for our youth.  

I have enjoyed music and singing throughout my life. I feel grateful that our community allowed my parents to foster this passion in me as a youth. When Arts Place started a MusicWorks program, I was fortunate enough to be able to participate. It was the Center Singers, which eventually became the Stateline Singers choir group. I remember learning a lot and making new friends, and it was something to look forward to every week. 

Art and music exposure do more than provide a creative outlet for children; they provide mental, emotional and educational benefits. As an educator and a mom, I know how important it is for children to be immersed in art and music at a young age. When my daughter was about 12 months old, I received a brochure about a new Arts Place program called First Steps in Music. It is a program that lets children explore sound, rhythm and movement. Both of my children took part in the program. It was a great experience for the whole family.  

In such a small community, we are fortunate to have quality local arts and music programs. The Arts Place organization provides important learning opportunities for our youth and adults.  

Arts Place has provided opportunities for me to change from the role of the teacher by day to a student in the evening. I have been able to take piano lessons, join oil painting classes and try out a tap-dancing class.

Arts Place has a beautiful and growing facility that supports, promotes and encourages the arts. 

Arts Place has integrated the arts more fully into our lives, which enriches each of us, brings individuals together and fosters a sense of community. Art and artists aren’t only in museums or concert halls, they are all around us. They are right here in our own small community.

Thank you, Arts Place, for providing these opportunities for all of us to grow.

Kristen Gibson

Rural Portland