Arming Against Loneliness
Arming Against Loneliness (for Iron County Today)
"A teacher’s job, he told us, was to arm children with tools against loneliness," wrote Liz Prather about writing classes with Wendell Berry. The American novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, and farmer was an advocate for small farmers. "My basic assumption when talking about agriculture is that there's more to it than just agriculture. That you can't disconnect one part of a society from all the other parts and just look at the results and that alone," he said. There is connective tissue between family, work, and community. The arts offer a way to explore and strengthen those networks that form the glue of society.
Theo of Golden, a popular book by Allen Levi, explores these networks and the ways connections through art can affect a wide range of people. Appreciating portraits and giving them to others becomes a means of learning about a variety of people. In the process, a web of connections becomes apparent. Theo provides an injured girl with art supplies so she can develop her skills This helps her combat the loneliness of recovering from a car accident. He helps her enjoy a cello recital by telling her about the notes escaping and creating their own music after everyone leaves. The gift of imagination can be a weapon against loneliness when it is directed toward positive action.
Our Final Friday Art Walks celebrate local artists and musicians and make connections with the public. The camaraderie they foster is also valuable in warding off loneliness. The last of the summer Art Walks is Sept. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Encouraging participation in the arts is a large part of our mission, and we are excited to see the results of months of rehearsal on our stages. Whether singing alone at home or in a choir has many benefits. Writing, dancing, or creating visual art is also valuable.
It is also exciting to have the new music building opening at SUU. An open house and tours will be held after the Homecoming Parade on Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ribbon cutting for the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Music Center is Sept. 24 at 4 p.m., with concerts Thursday at 8 p.m. and Friday at 7 p.m. See the SUU website for more information, https://www.suu.
Getting out and sharing a performance or art exhibit helps develop the webs of connection that make our community more supportive and pleasant. I am a huge fan of the Cedar City Children's Musical Theatre, and its production of The Little Mermaid with 185 children was fun. The Utah Shakespeare Festival is having a stellar season, with some plays continuing into October. Cedar City Music Arts begins its series on Sept. 16. The music at the Best Western "Stone Circle" continues to Sept. 26, complete with a fire pit, from 7 to 9 p.m., 50 W 200 N. This is open to the public and is free.
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