The 2018 Artists’ Gratitude Project: A Weekly Practice

The potential for positivity, hope, change, and appreciation.

Do you feel the dichotomy? Many artists come from an upbringing of extensive support and opportunity – with training, classes, private lessons, workshops, mentors, supplies, and equipment. Many go onto colleges, conservatories, and masters programs. Yet, as artists in the U.S. today, many of us live with modest incomes to support our families and to keep making our work. Many times – we can end up feeling bitter, resentful, and negative.

Would a weekly gratitude practice inspire and promote personal change, hope, and contentment?

Whether you consider each weekly idea while on the subway commuting to work – or you decide to write in a personal journal – please join us on this journey in 2018. The 52 ideas were brainstormed and then placed in a random order. Thank you to colleagues Valerie Gutwirth, Juliana Monin, and Brian Smith for help launching this project.

Each week, one idea/intention/consideration will be shared.

Week 5: Arts Education Towards Social Justice

Today and this week, I offer gratitude for: 

Arts education for social justice. I am grateful for the potential for equity, inclusion, and VOICE. Arts education – whether with children or adults – offers a window and an opportunity for experience, expression, creativity, collaboration, creation, display, witnessing, and transformation by artists and audience alike. Wow! Power. Powerful potential. 

Today I reflect on opportunities I have been offered as a student throughout my life.

Today I reflect on experiences I currently help facilitate for students, both youth and adults.

I also reflect on what's ahead and what I can be a part of. 

I am grateful for the vast and limitless potential of arts education to be front and center – fighting for social justice and social change.

I am grateful for this source of hope.