by Dr. Rebecca Ard Boone
Ralph and Edna Wooster Professor of History
Chair of History
Chair of University Studies
Lamar University
In the December after Covid hit, I was shopping for Christmas presents at the Art Studio’s Shop-o-Rama. It had been almost a year since I had seen the familiar faces of Greg, Michelle, and Stephanie, but they made me feel as though I had never left. It wasn’t long before they asked me to Chair the board and I heartily accepted. It felt like home to me, and I wanted others to feel the same way.
I didn’t grow up here, and I am not an artist. So how did I find this new home? It started when I attended some exhibit openings and some great costume balls. After Harvey, I saw a plea for volunteers on Facebook and I just showed up. People were open, warm, and funny. I liked being around them. I tried some classes and spent a few hours here and there cleaning up or preparing for events. That’s all it took to become part of a community that has enriched my life so much.
I support the Art Studio because it provides a space for free, imaginative collaboration like no other in our area. I see it as part of the infrastructure of creativity. Though not an artist, I like having the chance to get to know them and finding out what inspires them. I’d like to think some of their inspiration will rub off on me. The people hanging around at the Art Studio listen to me, too, talking about what inspires me. Curious folks with open hearts – that’s who you will find at the Art Studio. So come on in and be a part of something special. You won’t regret it!
photo by John Fulbright