Money makes the world go round...  

So many things this month brought to mind Joel Gray in Cabaret playfully singing
about money.  Tax season, city budget talks and even discussions about the Renée Fleming performance come down to money issues.    As a young girl my mother told me that money was not a topic for public discussion so I am breaking a family rule in broaching this; but I think we should talk.

With no dedicated fund for the Arts in Fresno, the arts community is challenged by a strong desire to share their work and the need to cover the cost that it takes to produce it. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us, artists and patrons to take a close look at the amazing opportunities we do have and how we are stretching ourselves to keep art alive at such a financially difficult time. 

At the Arts Council we believe that we are on the verge of an arts renaissance in Fresno and recognize that as this happens we also risk burning out the very energy that it will take to see this through.  Artist and arts institutions need to be paid for the work they do or we risk losing their gifts.  Like every other worker in any other sector there is a cost associated with our receiving this benefit.  So what do we do? 

While not the total answer, it is important that we accept that until we establish a dedicated fund for the arts, we, who value the arts, need to dig deep in our pockets and do what we can to be supportive. When ticket prices for an event seem a little high don't be so quick to criticize, it cost to produce good work.  Buy a personalized art license plate, proceeds from the sale of these plates come back to the community through the California Arts Council and when filing your taxes, check off the box to include a contribution for the arts; every little bit helps.  That clinking, clanking sound can make the world go round ...

How did you hear about Poetry Out Loud (POL)?

I had no idea what it was before but my drama teacher Ms. Fiester POL to the class. I was not a huge fan of poetry but she took me to the side and told me I should participate. She knew I had a chance to do well in it. Ms. Kyer and Ms. Rakis also encouraged me to compete and advised me throughout it.

Why did you choose the particular poems you read? 

I searched the collection and within the requirements (of POL) I went with sonnet 29 because I like drama and theater.Sonnet 29 talks about a man that's blue; in the dumps. People look down on him and his misfortunate, but then the man talks about his friend and about the person he loves. This is enough to cheer him up and helps him look past his depression.

I found Hicoks piece second. It's a satirical story about a man who makes money out of basically nothing. He does mediocre work for a living. When his parents find out about his way of living, they tell his younger brother to come drop-out from college and come home; all because his brother seems to be doing well enough without the formal education. It's a funny poem. I had a good time performing it because it is comical.

The Eagle Plain poem talks about the American eagle and how highly Americans praise it. It is a satirical look on how the eagle over looks its praise.

               - Picasso