My daughter, Brooke, and I walked into the Chihuly Garden
and Glass exhibit located near the base of the Space Needle in Seattle and were
mesmerized by the visual candy offered. The spectacular colors, shapes, and
lighting reminded me of being in Disneyland—only this was a wonderland of
another kind.
Although I live in the area and the museum has been open
since 2012, I hadn’t taken the opportunity to visit until then. No reason other
than being busy with life and responsibilities.
A native of Washington State, Dale Chihuly’s work is
displayed in over two hundred museums around the world. There’s blown glass—and
then there’s Chihuly glass. Not only has this artist created stunning pieces
himself, Dale co-founded a school of glass here in Washington where the art of
glass blowing is taught to talented students.
We spent a delightful day enjoying his work.
Isn’t it wonderful that Dale Chihuly followed his passion—his
dreams? He’s brought beauty to a world that too often is plagued with disappointment
and even despair.
Dale found his purpose through the arts.
It’s experiences like these that remind and help me
appreciate how God has gifted people in a variety of ways.
I cringe when I read about funding for the arts being cut.
Or when I hear parents discouraging their children from pursuing the arts because
it’s a waste of time and not lucrative.
Don’t get me wrong! I’m a strong believer in the benefits of
science and technology. I have a BS degree, and I majored in biology and minored in chemistry.
But, I discovered that’s not where my talents are the strongest, nor are those
areas where I’m most passionate.
I’ve always told my children that I don’t care what
they do for a living. I don’t care if they have a prestigious job or make a
lot of money. My hope has always been
that they be happy and fulfilled in whatever they choose to do.
I have fond memories of an elderly woman who was my art
teacher from the time I was in elementary school through my junior year in high
school. As a child, I looked forward to her twice weekly visits to the
classroom, and while we quietly painted, drew pictures, or pieced together our
projects, she read to us. We couldn’t wait to hear the next chapter of whatever
book she was currently reading. Double benefits! What a wise woman!
We need the arts—music, dance, theater, literature, and art
to make this world a better, beautiful, and more enjoyable place. The arts inspire!
They can even bring hope.
My desire for you is that if you’re passionate about the
arts that you never give them up to follow someone else’s dream for you.
The scientists, mathematicians, doctors, lawyers,
carpenters, and so many others need you . . .
Trust me . . . if your heart is with the creative arts, you
have purpose.
Have
you ever struggled with choosing something you’re passionate about over a
better paying or prestigious job?
Have
you ever wanted to pursue an area in the arts only to be discouraged by others?
How
have you handled those feelings?
Dawn
