Liz Trimble pauses to enjoy artwork during a college admissions tour
10. You attend arts advocacy events like the Arizona Arts Congress 2012 (taking place Feb. 7 — and yes, there’s still time to get involved).
9. You talk with education leaders (school board members, principals and others) about the importance of funding and supporting art in schools and classrooms.
8. You troll publications like Arizona Capitol Times looking for arts-related news and legislation (like a recent issue noting bills about renewing the Arizona Commission on the Arts and creating an Arizona Poet Laureate).
7. You attend diverse art-related exhibitions and events in your community — and choose art-related events for time with family and friends.
6. You support local arts venues and museums by doing your gift shopping in their gift shops (there’s still time to gather art-related Valentine’s Day fare).
5. You write letters to the editor sharing evidence for the role of arts in building strong communities, economies, schools and families.
4. You curl up at night with reports like “Capitalizing on Arizona’s Arts & Culture” (prepared in conjunction with the 98th Arizona Town Hall).
3. You enroll your children in arts-related programs that foster their love and familiarity with visual art, dance, film, music, poetry, theater and other art forms.
2. You donate money or time to at least one local arts organization (even small gifts of time, talent and financial resources are appreciated and make a difference).
1. You take time to thank legislators, businesses and others who support arts on a national, state and local level.
— Lynn
Note: To learn more about arts and culture in Arizona, visit www.azarts.gov and www.azcitizensforthearts.org.
Coming up: Moving beyond tragedy through a community art project
