I am an Art Missionary, and there is a good chance you are as well. Different Art Missionaries will have different priorities, favor different artistic modes, different audiences, etc. This blog is for all of us to learn from and be inspired by each other.
In this first post, I want to share my particular desire to stimulate children’s and adolescents’ interest in practicing art.
Why? Because it really disturbs me how oppressed children are today, by the relentless commercialization of every aspect of childhood. Commercial saturation is so intense, information bombardment so high, continuous internet/texting/etc … it must be terribly hard for today’s kids to get to know their true center. These youngsters desperately need a more genuine, authentic way of experiencing the world, and art practice is an avenue toward that personal center. Children who do not live from their center will miss the greatest joys in childhood, and will live adult lives slave to artificial desires and aspirations while their souls suffocate in the ‘noise’ of our day. Hence I am an Art Missionary.
 |
Stephen and grandson under Chicago Art Institute's traditional Christmas-wreathed lion some years ago |
But that's just me. Other Art Missionaries will have their own special motivations - perhaps just the pure and simple desire to share a joy in and love of all art forms with all living people! No matter your philosophy or place in society, if you are or want to be an Art Missionary, this is a place for you to share.
More to come soon ... In the meantime, please do share your particular interests, concerns, objectives, etc. Simply use the Comments to introduce yourself to other Art Missionaries, or send me a private email if you prefer.
Stephen Rowe currently serves as the Angola Regional Artists’ Guild publicity chairman and writes two additional blogs:
Stephen welcomes correspondence of all sort per StephenRowe.OriGraphics@yahoo.com
