The MAP kids had their opening last night. Due to car troubles, I couldn’t be there. I’ve taught in this program, and I try to make that opening because it’s a teachable moment for the kids. They see their work celebrated on the wall, and I usually go to the opening and ask them, one by one, to show me their pieces, so I can tell them how wonderful they are. Art is hard. People aren’t always kind. We need to spread that kind of kindness prophylactically against the cruel way people treat kids art. Since I couldn’t be there I sent this note.

The MAP program is an opportunity for teens to study with a number of different artists as mentors. It’s a wide-open learning experience, not from art school, but from people living their art. It’s a free program the Peoria Art Guild offers each year to a select group of young artists.

Hit! I can’t be here tonight to celebrate with you over the wonderful things you made this year. I am so sorry. Our car broke down last night in a way that will take some time for us to get it running. I can’t get there.

I always try to come to the MAP show, because this program is fabulous. Not just the art you make. The way you remake yourself is also fabulous to watch. It’s hard to move to different media and techniques. But it hones your skills and stretches your ability. It changes you. It sets you on different paths. None of that could happen, without your courage, commitment and determination to try things. You’ve done all of that.

You will have people in your life who will either indulge your art or ignore it. They’ll tell you that it’s nice, but not practical. Or necessary. They are wrong.

Art is where we create emotional literacy. Our ability to thrive and survive comes from rewriting our stories in ways that make sense to us, that make us more able, that give us joy and peace, even in chaos, Our art does that. We interact with an image, and it retells the story. Not just for ourselves and our own growth. But we, as artists do it for others as well. People are changed by our art. It incites them with new thoughts. It heals old wounds by seeing them in different lights. We change the world with our art. It doesn’t matter how many people see our work. The person who needs to is right audience. We are the light of the world.

Tonight I hoped to walk with each of you and ask you to show me your pieces. I wanted to tell you how proud I am for you, that it was an honor to have you in class, and that I am waiting for the magnificent things you’ll do next. I hope you have the patience to grind through the practice it takes to hone your skills and find your voice. I am honored to have worked with you.

Congratulations!

All my love,

Ellen

I’m sharing this with you because perhaps you might need to hear that as well. I do too. We’re artists. We hold each other up.

You’ll find this fabulous show through July 31st.

Peoria Art Guild
203 Harrison St,
Peoria, IL, 61602,
3096372787info@peoriaartguild.org