At The Heart of the Hall: Mission-Driven Work Is Powerful
The basic intent is to address a need and, in our case, that need is access to the performing arts. Whether by presenting world-famous performers at our venues or providing arts education to thousands and thousands of students each year, we bring the arts to this community at all levels. We deal with triumphs and challenges every day. Watching an audience rise to their feet applauding a cast of teens for delivering an outstanding musical production will make your heart soar. Being aware of the personal stories behind the scenes, behind those faces in the spotlight, however, will make your heart break, initially, yet soar again knowing what has been overcome. The arts are a wonderful equalizer where circumstance and struggles can be left at the stage door while joining together with others to create something new, something special. I was asked recently to describe in one word the main theme that runs through our programs and my reply came without hesitation – gratitude.
The relationship between the arts and gratitude is profound. Complex emotions not easily shared through conventional methods have long been conveyed through paint, ballet slippers, musical instruments, and language. Artists whose lives and work we celebrate this time of year include Georgia O’Keeffe, the mother of American modernism known for her bold and radical florals; Ludwig van Beethoven, considered one of the greatest classical composers of all time; Charles Schulz, influential cartoonist and creator of “Peanuts”; and Keith Richards, who along with friends Mick and Brian co-founded a fairly well known band called the Rolling Stones. Each of them faced multiple challenges with poverty, physical ailments, mental health, and substance abuse but found solace in and through art.
But gratitude at its best is reciprocal, and art has the remarkable ability to develop appreciation and thankfulness within and between the artist themselves and the observer, as well. One learns to communicate as a result of creative expression and the other to understand and empathize as a result of creative interpretation.
Think of how it feels getting lost in a spectacular painting, smiling at the thought of a beloved illustrated character, or listening to a favorite song (of any genre!). It makes us grateful for the moment, for the experience.
As we enter this special season, we too are filled with gratitude. We are thankful to serve this community through our mission of changing lives through the performing arts. We are thankful for the many accolades received that continue to drive us toward excellence in all that we do. We are thankful for those who support the work we believe in so strongly. And we are thankful to offer stages and studios, classrooms and concert halls that will continue to foster artists - both aspiring and accomplished - and their audiences.
Sharon Reid-Kane, Ed.D.
Vice President & Chief Education and Community Engagement Officer