"The values and qualities that are foundational to the arts — creativity, inclusiveness, whimsy, irreverence, internationalism, etc. — are a threat to totalitarian bullies who seek absolute control, demand an echo chamber for their propaganda, target minority communities, vilify nonconformity, and celebrate militarism."
I had the BEST response from students in my American History S1 class when the first project was "Hamilton". These teenagers, whose knowledge of the American Revolution was sketchy at best, were blown away by the acting, the rapping, the themes and the HISTORY (I read the Ron Chernow biography several times, read passages from it to the students, and explained the corroborations as well as the few "dramatic licenses" that were taken in the musical).
Now retired, I am pleased to see that Hamilton "is cool again" (though for me it was never "uncool").
I have so many warm memories of seeing the students truly understand and buy into the American origin story (and yes, I made sure they also knew about Sally Hemmings and the 3/5 clause in the Constitution).
I feel confident those lessons are still with them today.
It is simply astonishing how much damage the Destructor in Chief has wreaked upon all aspects of our Nation.When we have rid ourselves of him, the cost of repair will be just as astonishing. We need to confiscate his and his family's wealth and apply it to the cost of rebuilding.
Resilience and resolve. So proud of the DMV area arts community for standing up for the rights of artists in our country 🩵 We took our sons to Kennedy for the annual performance of the Messiah at Christmas — always moving and awe-inspiring. We love the Kennedy Center 🙏
Yes to all of this. When the arts are diminished, civilization's light is dimmed. Also, if you can find tickets, go see Brian Cox in the Score at STC. An amazing performance.
Art may be the oldest form of human expression, as evidenced by the artwork on cavern walls, small carvings found in firepits, and even the earliest tools. Certainly the wordless communication of early humans to tell stories and give directions is art. Trump’s Oval Office crap? Not art.
While we're at it, one of Trump's projects which at first was proffered as an artistic venture, the Arch de Trump, didn't fly on its artistic merits alone. It now is planned to enclose an armory and provide a balcony for snipers to shoot from.
It doesn't seem at all possible that the targets of these snipers would be anyone other than Americans. One wonders where the outrage is over a president who can contemplate shooting Americans at a distance which will make their identification impossible. In other words, wholesale killing (murder!) of Americans is now on the Trumpian menu.
"Do you support the killing of Americans by governemnt snipers in Virginia?" should be a question that every House and Senate member shluld be asked to respond to, Especially Susan Collinss
Jennifer, thanks for reafirming the value of the arts and how joint peaceful activism, despite the desperate attempts of the current regime, can be unifying and healing!
Thank you for this wonderful piece. The arts must go on.
"The values and qualities that are foundational to the arts — creativity, inclusiveness, whimsy, irreverence, internationalism, etc. — are a threat to totalitarian bullies who seek absolute control, demand an echo chamber for their propaganda, target minority communities, vilify nonconformity, and celebrate militarism."
I had the BEST response from students in my American History S1 class when the first project was "Hamilton". These teenagers, whose knowledge of the American Revolution was sketchy at best, were blown away by the acting, the rapping, the themes and the HISTORY (I read the Ron Chernow biography several times, read passages from it to the students, and explained the corroborations as well as the few "dramatic licenses" that were taken in the musical).
Now retired, I am pleased to see that Hamilton "is cool again" (though for me it was never "uncool").
I have so many warm memories of seeing the students truly understand and buy into the American origin story (and yes, I made sure they also knew about Sally Hemmings and the 3/5 clause in the Constitution).
I feel confident those lessons are still with them today.
Thanks for such a fantastic Friday! I will be at an arts festival today and possibly tomorrow. Thanks for the music.🎵 🎻
It is simply astonishing how much damage the Destructor in Chief has wreaked upon all aspects of our Nation.When we have rid ourselves of him, the cost of repair will be just as astonishing. We need to confiscate his and his family's wealth and apply it to the cost of rebuilding.
Bravo to the arts community! Seen as “soft” by some and “irrelevant” by others, they have become part of our legion of warriors against the Dark Side.
Resilience and resolve. So proud of the DMV area arts community for standing up for the rights of artists in our country 🩵 We took our sons to Kennedy for the annual performance of the Messiah at Christmas — always moving and awe-inspiring. We love the Kennedy Center 🙏
Yes to all of this. When the arts are diminished, civilization's light is dimmed. Also, if you can find tickets, go see Brian Cox in the Score at STC. An amazing performance.
It was an incredible experience to see that play. It has moral implications for our times.
Art may be the oldest form of human expression, as evidenced by the artwork on cavern walls, small carvings found in firepits, and even the earliest tools. Certainly the wordless communication of early humans to tell stories and give directions is art. Trump’s Oval Office crap? Not art.
Thank you so much, Jen! This battle seems to be the story of my life.
As an artist, I'm very grateful for your coverage of these courageous artists in DC. Thank you!
And I celebrate along with you!
While we're at it, one of Trump's projects which at first was proffered as an artistic venture, the Arch de Trump, didn't fly on its artistic merits alone. It now is planned to enclose an armory and provide a balcony for snipers to shoot from.
It doesn't seem at all possible that the targets of these snipers would be anyone other than Americans. One wonders where the outrage is over a president who can contemplate shooting Americans at a distance which will make their identification impossible. In other words, wholesale killing (murder!) of Americans is now on the Trumpian menu.
"Do you support the killing of Americans by governemnt snipers in Virginia?" should be a question that every House and Senate member shluld be asked to respond to, Especially Susan Collinss
Beautiful, well written article, Jen!
Jennifer, thanks for reafirming the value of the arts and how joint peaceful activism, despite the desperate attempts of the current regime, can be unifying and healing!
donnie has no clue about anything--least of all Works of Art! Thanks as always for reporting the facts.
He is SUCH an Idiot!
Thanks for the uplifting coverage of the undaunted arts in D.C.