Some of you may already be aware that the Sequoia Gallery in downtown Hillsboro will close after April.  When I heard about it, I felt sad, disappointed…and, honestly, stunned. What a lively, creative place!  I know many will miss it deeply.

In general, I don’t think that the world at large supports the arts or artists, enough. Few recognize what an arts organization can provide to the economic vitality of a city, town, or neighborhood.  If that were understood by civic entities, property taxes would be more easily waived for a 501(c)(3) organization like Sequoia.  Most people don’t have any idea what they’ve got until it’s gone.  To me, it all starts with imagining our communities without local art centers and galleries. What would they be without the arts? Do we want to have places to go, things to do, beautiful things to see and ways to spend our time that refresh our minds?  Then the arts need to be supported, period.  And by everyone.

Heck, I’ll just come outright and ask, if you can, to step up.  We’ve got our yearly fundraiser going on right now – and you can make that thermometer in the window rise!  And, if you’re blessed with more time than money…please know that the time and energy you can give is crucial to a 100% volunteer run organization like ours.  (The secret: Even better, your efforts pay YOU back tenfold in creative camaraderie and fun!)

We’ve made it this far.  We have been around for over 60 years now being a place that brings art creation, appreciation, and creativity to our friends, families and neighbors.  Please do what you can to make sure the Village Gallery of Arts does not follow in Sequoia’s footsteps.

What is the true worth of Art?  Think of the reasons why we keep plugging away at work – sometimes for years at our beige cubicles – for these very moments when the arts color our lives.  Art isn’t an afterthought, or an “extra” – it is necessary.  The true worth of art goes beyond measure.  Art feeds our souls and keeps our hearts lifted.  We owe it to ourselves, and each other, to keep going.

I hope if you’re reading this, you can agree.

Onward,

    Leah Jay