What are the qualities of a rubber band? Flexibility: the ability to bend without breaking. Clinnesha Sibley shares a reflection on the first time she felt the power of community as a teacher at Piney Woods School, and shares a list of guidelines for how to find community. A spiritual leader once gave me a rubber band to wear on my wrist to remind me that God will constantly stretch me toward my purpose. When I went to work for The Piney Woods School in Mississippi, I wore a rubber band. Whenever I felt that I was being tested, I tugged on it. … [Read more...]
Agnes Gund: Taking the Arts Seriously
An opinion piece that has been highlighted many places but I still wanted to flag. The piece reminds one that the construct of "the arts" marginalizes artistic and creative activity. It makes the end product the focus of attention, rather than the role artistic activity is playing in society, the process of creating and participating in art, and the affect on people engaged through the work. "The arts" has its purpose in organizing a passionate interest group and securing resources, but I wonder if the cost is greater than the benefit, … [Read more...]