April 18, 2017
Weekly Art Stop
The Role of Art
Imagine a world where all the buildings followed the
same cookie cutter pattern. All bland, colored homes
that are symmetrical with each other, following the
same dimensions, same interior design. All the rooms
are just boxes with no personality. In this lackluster
environment, the clothes you wear are the same shape
and style of your neighbors, and are the only clothes
available to you each and every day.
This world would be very depressing and that is
because it lacks the fundamentals of creativity and
individualism. Places like the McLean County Arts
Center (MCAC) are at the forefront protecting the
value and purpose that art has in our lives.
Many believe that art and creativity are a waste of
energy, time and money, but have you ever stopped
to think how much of an impact art has in our lives?
Art has permeated every facet of our lives, and we will
always be attracted to creativity and individuality.
We are in a precarious situation where the true value
of art is being questioned by our state government.
Cutbacks on funding art programs are severely
affecting the creative development of our youngest
generation. According to Amy Wilkinson, a journalist
for The Hill, the Illinois State Board of Education
voted on an act that that lays out the funding for
K-12 schools. In this act, arts programming will not
be funded, leaving schools to fend for themselves in
funding their own arts programs.
Whether the act passes or not, it shows the sentiment
our leaders have on the importance that art plays in
our lives. The Mclean County Arts Center fights the
battle against the close-minded thinking that our
leaders have taken on. Volunteers at the MCAC plan
courses to educate both the youth and adults to take on
an interest in art.
Doug Johnson from the MCAC said, “We believe
that art is one of the most important pillars in human
development. We here at the MCAC take pride in the
courses we offer. None of the amazing work we do
here could be possible without our volunteers and the
donations from the community.”
The MCAC also holds numerous art festivals
throughout the year that give local artists a chance to
gain exposure and to sell their work. These festivals
also do much more than helping out the local art
scene. It gives the community of Bloomington-Normal
a chance to truly appreciate the value and hard work
that is involved in creating art. Just very recently, the
arts center held their 14th annual Spring Bloom Fine
Arts Festival.
Spring Bloom painter Stan Squires said, “McLean
County Arts Center does an amazing job each year on
their art festivals. If the state of Illinois completely cuts
art programs, it will be places like these that will keep
art and creativity alive.”
With the idea of the bland world example in mind,
take a second and look around your life, currently.
Look at the clothes you have on, the decorations you
may have in your home, the colors that bring you
joy and play along with your emotions. Look at your
own uniqueness from anything and everyone else. We
live in a world built on the foundations of art. Let’s
continue to support it.
April 18, 2017

Weekly Art Stop

We Love You
MCAC would not be as successful
as we are today if it wasn’t for
the wonderful volunteers that
dedicate their time to us. You all
believe in the core message that
we try to deliver here. That art is a focal point in all human
development. Your hard work is what makes our festivals here
in the McLean County a massive success year in and year out.
There is nothing we could do to fully repay all of the beautiful
souls that are affiliated with us. We ask that you continue to
dedicate your time with us here at the arts center, because Our interns at the MCAC
without you, we cannot accomplish any of our goals and for
that we thank you.

Summer + Art = Fun

Need something to do this summer? Look no further,
because our Sugar Creek Arts Festival is coming in
July! The festival will run on Saturday, July 8 and
Sunday, July 9 so it takes place in the heart of summer
just days after Independence Day. The festival will
take place in beautiful Uptown Normal and we are
currently filling up our booth locations! If you would
like to set up a booth for our festival, you can apply
by submitting three images of your artwork to our
website. There is a $25 application fee which is due
on April 15. The booths being offered range from
our smallest booth for $175 to our largest booth at
$275. There are many options in between both price
points and the booth fee deadline is May 20. If you
are looking for some time to kill this summer, or you
think you have what it takes to be an integral part of
our Festival as an artists, volunteer, or sponsor, please
take some time to visit our website!