Dear Senator Kingston,
I came across this quote of yours this morning, "I just think putting people to work is more important than putting more art on the wall of some New York City gallery frequented by the elite art community." [U.S. Rep Jack] Kingston said. "Call me a sucker for the working man." - Congressional Quarterly report
I believe you were calling the funds slated for the National Endowment of the Arts wasteful spending. I respectfully wish to tell you my story and why I disagree with you.
I am a WORKING artist. Emphasis on the "working." My income helps to support our family. If you think that the arts don't contribute to putting people to work think again. I spend money to buy supplies and to ship my work to museums and galleries around the country. I spend money on marketing, at printers and for various web services.
The museums and galleries that my work shows and sells at bring in both locals and tourists alike, very few of whom fall into the category of an "elite New York art community." They are ordinary WORKING people who like to look at something uplifting when they walk into their home. They spend money at museums, and restaurants and other local business nearby.
I WORK (on a volunteer basis - because grants to support that effort have been drastically cut) in the local schools and community. I introduce children, through art, to the idea that mathematics, language, shapes, and colors are all integrated and can be fun and creative. Something our underpaid teachers no longer have the freedom to do as they spend all their time teaching to a test. I truly believe that unless we teach our children to think creatively our nation will suffer greatly. Where will the innovation come from - who will invent the technologies that will move our economy forward?
Perhaps if I put on a Bankers suit and tie and received billion dollar bonuses you'd be happier to throw money at me and call me a "working" man.
Sincerely yours,
-Lyric Kinard
If you believe the arts contribute to your local economy, please tell your local newspapers so. Please write letters to your Senators. It is easy to find how to contact them by putting your zip into the box at Congress.org.