I ran across a website: http://www.unitedstatesartists.org. There, they quoted a study by Urban Institute, Investing in Creativity: A Study of the Support Structure for U.S. Artists (2003), and Rand Research in the Arts, Gifts of the Muse: Reframing the Debate about the Benefits of the Arts (2004).

What I found interesting - and most likely true from my experiences of having people tell me that one cannot make a living out of painting, sculpting, or writing - was that 96% of Americans said they were inspired by and highly valued art in their lives and communities. Oddly, though, Americans do not value the artists. Only 27% believed that artists contribute a lot to the good of society.

That is strange, indeed. Our fellow citizens value art, but not the act of creating that art.

Here's a quote from the web page referenced above:

"Further interview data from the study reflects a strong sentiment in the cultural community that society does not value art-making as legitimate work worthy of compensation. Many perceive the making of art as a frivolous or recreational pursuit."

I guess I shouldn't be surprised by these statistics. After all, supposedly over 85% of Americans believe in God. But many of them don't want anyone talking about it.

I wonder how much of the artistic pursuit is not valued by the community. I also wonder if this devaluing of artistic and musical endeavors will increase as we take unnecessary classes from our schools, like art and music lessons.

I also wonder what we, as a society, can do to change this. Today, people use the valuable computer tools to create art. Some of the work done by these programs (and the ones using the programs) is quite creative. But should these creations be more valuable because they were done using a computer program? Should they be less valuable?

Some writers use writing tools that help them get their books started. The writing programs help them set up outlines and chapters. Should writers who use these kinds of tools be valued more or less than writers who do not?

Should a writer who insists on using pen and paper be held in higher regard than one who only uses a computer?

Personally, I find it sad that people can claim to love art, but not value the artist. Perhaps if we put art and music back into the classrooms of America, there might be a change in attitude. Yes, I think that would do wonders for kids and parents today, if drawing, painting, and a potter’s wheel were re-introduced into the classrooms. I think if our young people were all encouraged to sing or play an instrument, it would help them see that the person who chooses music as a career is a valuable part of society.

Children today do not get enough creative time. They spend far too many hours in study, but are still lacking behind those from other countries in academics. Could it be that taking art and music out of the classroom has made our children less able to think? And to feel?

About the Author

Marilyn Mackenzie has been writing about home, family, faith and nature for over 40 years. She is an author on http://www.Writing.Com which is a site for Creative Writers. Her portfolio can be found at http://kenzie.writing.com