Art is....

Yesterday I was given an amazing opportunity! My brother-in-law had a ticket to go see his precious nephew, who happens to be autistic, in a program called LIVE Art, produced by SPARC here in Richmond. Unfortunately for my brother-in-law he had a herniated disc and could not go. His misfortune was my fortune. My sister offered me the ticket. LIVE Art started as a dream that Erin Thomas-Foley, SPARC's Director of Education, wanted to see come to life. A dream that children of ALL abilities could come together to present a music concert. It was a music concert, but it was so much more! It was dancing, and singing, and moving and painting. I guess the best way to describe it would be that it was an explosion of creativity! Now, I have been to many programs in my years as a parent that consisted mostly of students. I have seen good ones, and I have sat through some that were, shall we say, a challenge to the audience member. I cannot describe the feeling I had yesterday as I watched this event. I did have a connection with one of the performers, my sister's nephew, but I had this overwhelming sense of pride for every child on that stage. Yes, the music was provided by Virginia's local favorites, Steve Bassett, Robbin Thompson, Susan Greenbaum, Jesse Harper, Josh Small and  a surprise performance by Grammy winner, Jason Mraz, a SPARC alum, but it was the performance of the ensemble that enthralled me. There was no delineation between students with special needs and students without. Everyone came together with one common goal, to express, to feel, to move, to celebrate. Performing Arts so often can be such a competitive world. Growing up around it and staying in that world, I know that. That's not what yesterday was about. I feel so honored to have been sitting in that audience. I was given a very special gift yesterday, and I will cherish it for a long time to come! If you would like to donate to ensure that LIVE Art is a program that can continue, please  Donate online today and put "LIVE ART" in the comments field, or contact Candace Mraz-Nelson, Director of Development, by email or by phone (804-353-3393 ext. 224) for volunteer and other support opportunities.