Week #3 Response

The Prompt...
Please reflect on both --- art and music. Comment on how you think the arts might play a role in social change in the society. Also, how do artists themselves influence changes in our worlds? What is the price? Can artists be leaders through their art? What happens to artists who speak out to challenge the status quo? What is the purpose of the arts in your own life? And how do music, art, dance, and other art forms influence the way you feel, the choices you make, the motivations you have?

My Response...
This past Saturday was a landmark activity for the town of Mattoon (where I live)—a mural dedication. Over the past few years, a group of people from the community have come together to plan this first community mural. What I enjoyed most about the dedication was simply watching people interact with art. The mural has had its skeptics over the past year plus but you would never have known on this beautiful, cool late summer morning. The artist Dave Gordon (www.dsgordon.com) walked along the mural describing his inspiration for each section. All people in the mural are current or past Mattoon residents each with their own story to tell and unique beauty. Some stories moved people to tears, others to smile. My favorite story was that of a young local skateboarder captured perfectly on one of the columns. As in most towns, skateboarders and the cities’ properties do not necessarily get along here in Mattoon. The amount of pride in this young man and in his craft of skateboarding was incredible at the dedication. As the official dedication ended, people lingered taking photos of the local celebrities in the mural, touching the wall, telling stories about what it evoked for them, and just in awe of art.

As I viewed the slideshow of Van Gogh’s work put to music, I was keenly aware of the role arts and artists plays in bringing people together. In Mattoon, the mural might simply create social change in the way a few people view skateboarders. It might mean a greater pride or appreciation for Mattoon’s history as a railroad town. Or, perhaps it might mean a local resident inspired by the experience with Dave Gordon becomes an artist. Regardless of the impact, this one piece of art has shifted the conversation and opened opportunities for change in the community. I personally cannot wait to see how community involvement increases in the planning of the second mural set to begin next year.

Dave spent a significant amount of time getting to know the community before designing the mural. His outside perspective and view of our community allowed others to perhaps see the town in a new way. I think all artists in some way do this. There is a local photographer Nathaniel West (www.westphoto.biz) that I quietly follow. His photos continue to give me a new appreciation of the community—the ragged brick wall and entrances of a seemingly run-down building in town or a dock overlooking Lake Mattoon. Artists have such a unique place from which to lead change. They can show the reality of a place or situation in a way that shifts the perspective for others.

It has been fascinating to move from the city of Indianapolis where the arts are a priority of the community to a place where it is not. Because of this, the value of the arts is not at a premium. This is interesting because I find myself valuing arts even more in this void and seeking out opportunities with much more intentionality.

My artistic outlet has always been singing. I have been in choruses through high school, college, and while in Indianapolis. What I have always loved is the idea of bringing so many diverse people together and aligning the voices to create something beautiful. Upon moving here, I tried joining a local chorus without much passion. After writing this response, I think I need to reconsider my approach to satisfying my artistic outlet and joining in the power of the arts.



Kevin Kilhoffer/Staff Photographer -- The mural on the west wall of D to Z Sports on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon was dedicated in a Saturday ceremony.