I went to the Museum of Fine Arts today to see the William Merritt Chase show, which I enjoyed very much.
In the glassed-in courtyard where the café is, some kids' art from community centers (like Boys and Girls Clubs) had just been hung -- large bright quilt-like banners with hopeful words. In these times when most of us are feeling anxious and afraid about the future, I admired the leaders in these community centers who are teaching the kids to be brave and speak out, to respond to the dark times with art instead of despair.
I worked for the Art Education Department at Massachusetts College of Art and Design for thirty-two years, and one of our alumni is the art director at one of the Boys and Girls Clubs. He himself overcame difficult challenges to become a teacher, and I know he's now having a positive influence on many kids' lives.
This project inspired me, and I'm so glad they hung the pieces at the museum.
