I hustled my bustle through 2017 and am now ready to greet 2018 with vigor. My New Year’s resolution? Make art a part of everyday life. Since art is already incorporated in my daily routine, my real goal is to inspire others to climb aboard the art band wagon.
Why? Arts advocate Randy Cohen gives us some solid reasons: “The arts are an Industry…arts organizations are responsible businesses, employers, and consumers. They spend money locally, generate government revenue, and are a cornerstone of tourism and economic development. Nonprofit arts organizations generate $166 billion in economic activity annually, supporting 5.7 million jobs and generating nearly $30 billion in government revenue. Investment in the arts supports jobs, generates tax revenues, and advances our creativity-based economy.”
Additionally, the arts promote health and well-being, trigger creativity, and build stronger communities. They bind us and define us. They inspire and make us human. The arts provide entertainment and are just plain fun.
My promotional campaign continues: Naperville is an art-conscious, supportive city with an abundance of cultural events and venues within its boundaries. Wentz Concert Hall, Schoenherr Gallery, Anderson’s Bookshop, and Naper Settlement are a few of the well-known entities that bring literally hundreds of activities to the area throughout the year.
Take a walk through town and you will discover public art on display. Dick Tracy stands valiant at his new Water Street location, The Cat in the Hat welcomes visitors to Nichol’s Library, and the Naperville Loves a Parade mural portrays the excitement of one of the city’s deep rooted traditions. These pieces plus many others are all a part of Naperville’s Century Walk and grace the landscape with beauty, history, and whimsy.
Even though art surrounds us all year, it is especially ubiquitous in summertime. Naperville heats things up with plenty of activities and events for everyone including plays at Summer Place Theater, Naperville Municipal Band concerts, rock bands at Naper Settlement’s Naper Nights and fine art at the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.
And let’s not forget the kids! With many area schools cutting art programs, it is important to involve children in the humanities at an early age. Studies show that through the arts, students develop skills that lead them to perform better academically and score higher on tests. At the DuPage Children’s Museum, the School of Performing Arts, Kidz Kabaret, Young Naperville Singers, Naperville Suzuki School, and Naperville Art League, children can sing, dance, draw, play instruments, and experiment to find their passion and realize their potential.
So why not treat yourself to Naperville’s art buffet? Sample some of the daily specials and who knows, you may acquire a taste for the offerings that surround you and make art a part of your life!
