Art is not a luxury

I have to disagree with John Kohler’s description of art as being a “subjective luxury” and his comment about freeing up funds “wasted” by the City of Kent Arts Commission.

Art is an integral part of what makes us human. It is a form of expression and for some is our only voice. It promotes ideas and values. It introduces us to new ways of thinking. Art inspires us and in these difficult times we could use more inspiration. Art broadens our perception and understanding. It educates us. A large heavy granite ball floating in place on top a cushion of water (Kent Station) is more than a study of graceful form and movement it is also a lesson in physics.

Art brings us beauty, but by no means is beauty a requirement of art. Art, especially public art, is a valid indicator of the health and spirit of our community. And, for the sake of our community, it needs to be supported.

Mr. Kohler appears to be dismayed at the amount of public funds being expended on the arts. On this point I agree with him. I think there should be more.

Gary Wallace

Kent




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Letters to the Editor

Email editor@kentreporter.com
For every vote to count, Kent needs district-based elections | Guest column

By Mónica Mendoza-Castrejón Guest Column If you’re a community member here in… Continue reading

Email editor@kentreporter.com
Letters: Support King County Charter Amendment

Support King County Charter Amendment As a lifelong resident of King County,… Continue reading

Messes in Mill Creek Canyon

Thank you for your very informative article (“Cleaning up Mill Creek Canyon… Continue reading

Priced out of our homes

Priced out of our homes In the middle of everything that is… Continue reading

Kent School Board addresses death of George Floyd

The recent death of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of a… Continue reading

Some good advice in the fight against infection

School closings, sports event cancellations, food hoarding. … We live in a… Continue reading

City should focus on the real problem, a health crisis

It is time for the city officials of Kent to stop their… Continue reading

How much effect will virus have?

The situation regarding King County’s acquisition of the Econo Lodge in Kent… Continue reading

Coronavirus: County made hasty choice in Kent as a quarantine city
Coronavirus: County made hasty choice in Kent as a quarantine city

Like many Kent residents, I was blindsided when I heard, late Wednesday… Continue reading