Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Stop Consuming, Start Creating

The economic crisis has resulted in many Americans rethinking their spending habits. More people are spending less, using debit instead of credit cards, trying to save money any way they can. My hope is that people will now start to place more importance on the non-material things in life that are so valuable: creativity and the arts, recreation, home life, nature, social relationships, community. Becoming doers and makers rather than consumers.
I think the American people are way out in front of the politicians who are still seeing "credit" as the answer to solving this economic crisis. Well, the economists say that it's necessary for the govt. to help get us out of this mess. But hopefully Obama's leadership will inspire people to think beyond selfish consumerism, to turn an economic disaster into an opportunity for cultural, civic, and spritual renewal. This could be an important moment in history.

On a local level, I see the city of Allentown at a very opportune moment. While some long standing businesses are closing their doors due to the recession, new doors are opening. It's not the doom and gloom that many people perceive it to be. There is now the real possibility of an Arts Center on Hamilton St. There are plans for community arts events that would bring people together. Could we be seeing the death of the malls and the move to REAL downtowns, for some REAL culture, not the faux kind like The Promenade? Could there be a rebirth of the arts centered in our downtown? We have the institutions, and we have the artists, and we have a supportive city govt.

The arts can foster creative thinking in govt. and across the country, and renew the human spirit. It's about time that the importance of the role of the arts in society be valued and recognized. It is in European countries. Instead of cutting arts programs maybe we should start investing in them. Newark NJ is doing that. Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts.

Another important aspect of renewing America involves new uses for communications technology. Why can't this be more for educational and cultural purposes? These areas could benefit from "networking" and new technology. My son does not even have access to working computers in his 2nd grade classroom. I find that unacceptable in 2009. Students will need creative skills to make it in the techno-world. The arts and technology are connected in many ways. It's time to think about the "needs" of our society instead of the "wants."

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish there was more support for the arts in this country, not just through government, but in society. I think people are too quick to brush aside the value of visual arts and music and their impact on other learning. However, if football is threatened at public school there is an uproar from the parents. I think sports are valuable as well, but it's not the same thing.

Anonymous said...

I'm hopeful our new President Obama and First Lady Michelle will be like JFK and Jackie when it comes to the Arts and will spotlight artists and different genres at The White House, like Jack & Jackie did so effectively, and with such grace and style.

jdg said...

"President-Elect Obama"

Mrs. Dottie, I know it seemed like an eternity, from election day to inauguration day, but he IS President Obama now, finally ;D

Bill Villa said...

Blame the proofreader (moi).

Mrs. Dottie said...

"I think people are too quick to brush aside the value of visual arts and music and their impact on other learning."

I agree anon 2:09. Research has proven that kids who are involved in the arts score better on SAT tests. A good art curriculum integrates math, sience, history, so many other subjects, and it makes learning more meaningful because it is hands-on. It connects us to our world. Art improves critical thinking and problem solving skills. But yet a lot of people still view it as "an educational frill." I have said this SO many times before, but I will keep repeating it because it's so important.

Mrs. Dottie said...

JDG,

I got an e-mail from a fellow Chen artist asking me to sign the petition for a Secretary of the Arts position which will be presented to "President-Elect Obama" so that's why I made that mistake in my post, I wasn't thinking! Thanks for the correction!

Bill Villa said...

Anon 2:09, I agree too.

Mrs. Dottie and I have a very bright 7 year old son who became mesmerized by The Beatles (their Ed Sullivan Show performance) at 18 months old. He has watched and listened to the entire Beatles "Anthology" saga like a dozen times (with me) and by his own choosing, has listened to Beatles music, on average, I'd estimate at like 2-3 hours a day for 5 years. I really believe all this Beatlemania has had an excellent effect on Gianni Villa who excels in music (natch), verbal skills (yeow, does he ever), and math.

Yeah Yeah Yeah.

Anonymous said...

A good art curriculum integrates math, sience, history,

and spelling :)

Mrs. Dottie said...

Oopsie, I meant SCIENCE!!!
And I won spelling bees in 5th grade!

"It's not like the Dali Exhibition" said...

"There is now the real possibility of an Arts Center on Hamilton St."

... and in the exact same building where "Open Space Gallery" used to be. How retro-modern-historical-cool will this be?

Concerned Citizen said...

Very!!

Anonymous said...

I like the "possibility" of an ART CENTER, but it would be better if there will "actually" be an ART CENTER. Please don't depend on the "powers that be" take control of this 'possibility". Find out the cost and budget to open it up by doing your OWN fundraisers, soliciting donations, and obtaining your OWN sponsorship. You may end up being in a smaller spot on Hamilton, but then NO ONE can tell you WHAT you can do, WHO you can show, and HOW you can present it. Self-sufficiency is the answer. It may be a more difficult path, but in the end, it will be more satisfying.

Alfonso Todd

Mrs. Dottie said...

Alfonso,

One of the reasons why there is now the possibility of an arts center is because of what the independent Chen Artists have DONE as VOLUNTEERS to be recognized as a strong and inclusive community group. We have not depended on anyone but ourselves, our sweat and hard work, our skills, time, and our own money to make things happen. The city's Arts Commission has offered support, but not financially, and they strongly recognize our group as being "led by artists" There are over 120 people in our group. We make the decisions. The group started in April, and in 9 months we have accomplished a lot, without any grant money. We intend to have fundraisers, and events sponsored by local businesses.

Artists GIVE a great gift to the community, and most large cities support the arts. The Arts Commission's mission is to encourage and support local artists. Not every "power that be" is a bad person who wants control. There are people working for the city who genuinely support our group, and they are artists themselves.
For example, Pete Lewnes, and Joe Skrapits. And Joyce Marin has been supportive as well. It's called WORKING TOGETHER.

There is a lot of negative propaganda out there in the blogosphere from hateful people who have no idea what is really going on, because they are not involved in being part of the solution. They would rather try to sabotage any REAL progress with their lies and smears about me and the group. My accomplishments and my background speaks for itself. I don't get a paycheck for doing this. What Chen has accomplished is a real triumph for Allentown, and should be viewed as such. Yes, Allentown has an ART SCENE. And it's because the citizens made it happen. Now there will be an opportunity for people to connect at an Arts Center. And that's a GOOD THING.

Anonymous said...

Amen Mrs. Dottie. And seeing the REAL artists and their tremendous contributions to society at the Allentown Chen Arts Blog really gives me hope. I am proud to be a part of a new and growing art scene which will only help to bring our community together.

Anonymous said...

It's good to see you all MAKING THINGS HAPPEN, and you are right, not everyone in the "powers that be" category is counter productive. Believe me, I KNOW the struggles you have gone through and there will be ALOT more; but I know you can do it and I hope for nothing but the best when it comes to the CHEN ARTS GROUP, no matter what anyone may say.
I know I may seem cynical when it comes to the larger entities but if you look at the history of Project REAL and all of the events I have done, the only support I have received is the same support you have received: a smile, a handshake, some gratitude, and some encouraging words. I am sure after your last show that you realize it does take more than this to make these events happen. So, please don't misunderstand me when I say to be self-sufficient as being a SLAM against the larger establishments. I am just saying people WORKING TOGETHER is great but don't depend on ANYONE when it comes to the future of the CHEN ARTS GROUP's survival. GOOD INTENTIONS are just THAT !

Alfonso Todd

Mrs. Dottie said...

RE:"I am just saying people WORKING TOGETHER is great but don't depend on ANYONE when it comes to the future of the CHEN ARTS GROUP's survival. GOOD INTENTIONS are just THAT ! "

Alfonso, I have been around long enough to realize that. That's why I make sure to keep the ball rollin with Chen. Actions speak louder!

Bill Villa said...

"I hope for nothing but the best when it comes to the CHEN ARTS GROUP, no matter what anyone may say."

Alfonso, speaking of deceitful smear things "anyone may say" ... and has said ... and has approved for blog publication ... regarding the Chen Arts Group ... word of advice: your REAL image could get wrecked real fast if you hang too closely with total FRAUDS like O'Hare and Molovinsky who bash the Chen Arts Group. Just saying. Be careful. They were "champions" of us once too. But they will turn on you faster than a rattlesnake bite, when a better offer comes along.

Anonymous said...

FYI, "Molovinsky Always On Allentown" (#10) recently announced his retirement (POOF!) from blogging, saying that Mike's Memory Lane" is now a "journal," no comments required, which, sadly, is what one says when they're not getting any comments anymore.

Jack Webb Lord said...

This Week's BNN Ratings Analysis

Yowza. Some really determined and desperate "Gaming" is laughably apparent in this week's BNN Rankings.

This week's distant #6 ("LV Lies & Ramifications") and #3 ("AJ's Booger Vault") weren't even in the Top 20 last week (!!) and #10 ("Mike's Memory Lane") is a Journal!

Sadly, all that self-key-stroking of their flaccid blogs turned out to be an exercise in total futility as The Villas thrust their way to #1 again! CONGRATS, Villas!

Mrs. Dottie said...

Merci.

Bill Villa said...

Ditto. It just feels right, us being #1.

KattyD said...

Way to go Villas!

Anonymous said...

I second that.

The Blanker

Anonymous said...

O'hare is not just a liar, but he is a dangerous and diabolical liar.

KattyD said...

Harsh? Yes. But that's reality.

Politically Neutered said...

The Villas have Bernie O'Hare's number, and his M.O., and sadly, O'Hare knows it.

Joshua T said...

Villas, yesterday "MM" gave himself all the rope you need to hang him (not a threat/it's an expression) too, when the time is right. Here's what he actually published in a comment:

"i also know some of the people who comment on O'Hare's blog, that the villa's claim are made-up, their not." -Allentown Mayoral Hopeful Mike "3%" Molovinski

Notice how "Mayor Mike" does not specify the "some of the people" he is absolutely positively certain are real people. People like "The Banker," "Retired ASD Teacher," "KathyD," "Politically Neutral," and "Jonah."

"No comment" from Mr. 3% on this, I'll bet :)

Bill Villa said...

Interesting, "JT," and no I hadn't seen that. I was at a spiritual retreat in NYC all day yesterday called "Pay To Pray."

Anonymous said...

There's an expression that goes, "He's (MM's) not the sharpest tool in the shed." Another saying goes, "He's (MM's) not the brightest bulb in the pack."

The Blanker

Bill Villa said...

Words of wisdom, Blanker.

Hey, question I've always been meaning to ask you ...

as a BANKER, how in the heck do you find all the time you obviously spend reading so many gossipy blogs and commenting everywhere at all hours of the day and night? BANKING is a rather time-intensive endeavor, no?

Anonymous said...

Bill, you must have me confused with someone else. I'm a Blanker, not a Banker.

The Blanker

Bill Villa said...

But of course.

There's always a plausible explanation for these things.

Anonymous said...

I noticed the "Banker" used the term "circle jerk" in a post on BO's place the other day. Hmmmm. That sounds like an expression that a sicko would use, not a professional in the financial industry. I think someone's underwear is showing!

Mrs. Dottie said...

I am still waiting to hear from my lunch duty buddy "Retired ASD Teacher". If he is one of the two guys I had lunch duty with, I am positive he would have contacted me by now, but I guess he and his wife are too busy having dinner and cocktails with that charming bag O crap.

Anonymous said...

"Retired ASD Teacher"

"The Banker"

"Politically Neutral"

"KathyD"

and "Jonah" are all Bernie O'Hare.

Rehired ASD Teacher said...

"I noticed the "Banker" used the term "circle jerk" in a post on BO's place the other day. Hmmmm. That sounds like an expression that a sicko would use, not a professional in the financial industry. I think someone's underwear is showing!"

I second that.

Foo Foo said...

I think the curtain has been pulled to expose a master puppeteer, and sadly, the audience isn't surprised at all (yawn) but they are exiting the theater in droves and vowing never to return. Oopsie.

Joe Goebbles said...

Well that was easy!

Jon said...

Villas, I just clicked on your bass drum (nice Villas logo) at your blog's sidebar to see how many Villas fans have downloaded your 2 new great songs and did you know that LOTS MORE PEOPLE (lots!) have downloaded your two new great songs than voted for Mike ""3%" Molovinski in 2005 :)

Mrs. Dottie said...

O'Hatebag created the comment character "Retired ASD Teacher" in order to engage me in commenting at his blog. That's what he does, he creates characters to lure people into commenting. And his new "KathyD" (wink wink) character is obviously his dream woman, an opionated gal who takes a bitch slappin' from him and then returns to tell him how wonderful and smart he is. Sadly, revealing. Keep dreamin' and lyin' O'Hatebag. We've had your number for a while now and other people are starting to catch on to your malignant evil ways too. POOF!

Anonymous said...

Innerview with Mike Molovinski (Part 1)

Q. Mike, why did the chicken cross the road?

A. To get to the other side.