I've banged on this drum before, so forgive me for the repetition. But it's a critical issue, one that directly affects the quality of life in Marysville and the surrounding neighborhoods.

A community's art is a reflection of the people who live there. Does the lack of emphasis on art in Marysville indicate that it's not important to local residents?

True, the Marysville Artists' Guild meets on a regular basis, and its members, most of whom are painters or work in other visual media, support ongoing education and the appreciation of fine art. The local artists' work can often be viewed at the Marysville Public Library.

But does that small organization really serve the needs of a town of 56,000?

Unlike our neighbor to the north, which boasts an active arts council, the City doesn't appear to have such a body. As far as I can tell, the Marysville Arts Commission, which held a few meetings in the early 2000s, seems to have faded away.

Without an adequate venue for performances, locals can't enjoy community theatre presentations, dance recitals or concerts in town. Even finding affordable space in which to hold arts classes or rehearsals is a challenge.

Representatives from several local arts organizations have formed a loose-knit coalition to address the need to provide creative outlets and mentoring opportunities for our youth. The biggest stumbling block, again, is finding and funding a suitable location.

An arts commission, made up of volunteers who understand the importance of art in a community and can advocate for public support, should have a place among the city's other boards and commissions.

Even in a tough economy, art isn't a luxury. The lessons we learn, the shared experiences, the opportunities for growth as a community are vital to Marysville's evolution. Let's take that step.

blog comments powered by Disqus