A rose by any other name . . .

I  like the idea behind finding new language:  We stop sequestering the arts and creative activities as things that happen when geniuses and stars make art, and recognize that we all have creative parts of our lives and may well aspire to even more.  When creativity and an understanding of, involvement in, and admiration for the arts in all their forms becomes part of everyone's life, we will all be richer. 

Should anyone think that this is the taboo plea for dropping standards everywhere and calling any old thing art, I bring to mind the analogy that several writers have used about food and the popularity of cooking shows when discussing the "amateur arts."  Learning more about cooking and great food can benefit people without making them think they are chefs of international renown.

I look forward to the conversation this week and think that opening up the conversation about "what we call what we do" is intriguing --  a first step in rethinking how we can increase the value of our work to reach a broader range of people.