Art Is Order

Art plays a vital role in shaping our daily lives, regardless of the political climate. If we take a moment to look around, we’ll notice that art is everywhere. It is the great organizer, bringing structure and meaning to the chaos of our world. Art invites us to reflect on our own experiences, encouraging us to explore our humanity. As Pablo Picasso famously said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” In this way, art serves as a cleansing force, helping us to make sense of our world and ourselves.

Art Is Community

Art brings people together, providing a shared space for expression, connection, and even healing. Whether it’s a movie, a concert, or a play, the collective energy of an audience creates a powerful bond among strangers. Remember the feeling you get after watching a deeply moving film or performance, when you leave the theater carrying a shared experience with everyone around you? That sense of connection - - knowing that others are processing the same emotions - - highlights the transformative power of art. It’s a reminder that community and art go hand in hand, shaping our collective consciousness.

Art Is History

Art also serves as a record of human history. From the timeless plays of Shakespeare to the iconic photography of Ansel Adams, art helps us understand our past and our place in the world. It defines civilizations, reflects cultural shifts, and provides a vision for the future. By studying art, we gain insight into the values, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before us—and perhaps, we find inspiration for the world we want to create.

Art Is Life

In my first acting class with Susan Batson, she reminded us that as artists, we hold a special responsibility to reflect the human experience. Actors, like all artists, hold up a mirror to society, expressing both the beauty and the complexity of the human condition.

In the wake of this challenging political moment, many of us may feel lost or devastated by the outcome. But as we process these emotions, we must remember that art is a beacon of hope. It is through creating art that we can fight to inspire change and move humanity forward. As Andy Warhol once said, “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” Art empowers us to make those changes, both within ourselves and in the world around us. Never surrender to hopelessness and fear, live life and make your art!

All my best,

Greg Braun

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