Wednesday, May 15, 2024
GRANBURY CULTURAL ARTS
Stacey Watkins-Martin and Cora Werley are local artists and members with several others of the Granbury Cultural Arts Commission. Both work diligently with many other people and organizations to promote Granbury as the exciting arts destination it has become.
“Thank you for giving my child some culture this weekend.” This unusual statement was heard from a parent by Harvest Moon Children’s Creations Director Ginny Blevins after that event. Ginny and her large hard-working volunteer crew did an amazing job of creating out of nothing a space where children’s lives were changed forever as they discovered art in multiple forms. They put down their iPads and phones and picked up paintbrushes and all manner of materials. They painted, they cooked, they danced, they made and played instruments, they had parades, they interviewed actors portraying famous past artists, they earned Moon Money and used it to choose art for themselves to take home… and they knew the joy of experiencing that they are created to create. As Ginny noticed, lifeless kids walked in with lifeless parents and families left with a new hope for the future. And she heard later that some were even foregoing their usual video games to continue creating art at home. What a win!
The joy of experiencing what they are capable of creating can drown out the siren call of cell phones and iPads. Because busy lives of children and their families can squelch the beginning artistry of a child as can adults who don’t see the beauty in not-yet-formed efforts. But oh the possibilities when children’s hearts, minds and imaginations are given a safe space to explore their hidden talents. And it’s not just for the children... adult lives are changed in seeing what their children can do and hearing the voices of many who are not otherwise heard, seen or valued… something we all need.
Because if you’ve ever looked into the face of a child whose parent/teacher/neighbor has just said, “I really like your picture!” or “I loved your song!” you’ve seen the creation of an artist. And when children recognize that they are able to express themselves in such a productive way, they are happy to do it again and again. And as their artistic skills increase, so does their willingness and ability to explore further. Not just their art, but the world at large and the people and things that populate that world, the Creator who made it out of nothing, and the possibilities of a lifetime of creation.
Mayor Jim Jarratt saw this potential firsthand in asking Granbury High School art student Alayna Jenkins to ghost-paint his moon for the Harvest Moon Celebrity Moon Auction. And what a beautiful job she did. Honoring the creative talent in our community’s children helps others see beyond what may be limited personal experience to what is possible.
Children’s Creations is beyond beneficial to the hundreds of children who got to participate during Harvest Moon. Ginny and her team are thinking bigger, as in regular experiences, not just a once- a-year festival. They want to provide the means for children to build their confidence, to heal from life’s emotional wounds, to enjoy time with family and community in creation … to experience the gift of their Creator to create. Let’s all support the future of our children in Granbury’s own Children’s Creations.
srebal01@aol.com I 817-733-2118
cwerley@werleylaw.com I 817-946-3865
