God, I can't believe I'm over 500 posts at this point. Speaking of "seems like only yesterday," my eldest daughter is apparently a creative one-up on her old man; she has managed to get a scholarship for a prestigious summer arts program. And although I know she doesn't read this, way to go, sweetheart; your dad is prouder of you than he's ever been. At this rate, this could very well be just the beginning. I can only hope.

In other news, I went last night to see the last night of the 15th annual Exhibition of Art by Michigan Prisoners. I was truly moved, believe me. It was a shame to think that some of the hands and minds that created such fantastic art (and believe me, I'm not exaagerating at all,) will never know their freedom. It was one of those things as a teacher that made me pray to God the students I come into contact with will make the right choices in life. Anything else is simply a waste. For more info about the exhibit, (although it's over for this year,) check out the link below.

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/pcap/pages/news.asp

This link is one of the prisoner-artists talking about his life, and the way being in the show changed him as a person.

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/pcap/pages/gallery/gallery_visual_art.htm

The nice thing, really, was that all the art was for sale, at relatively reasonable prices. And if there was ever a place to pick up a piece that might be a gem someday, this'd be it. It also inspired me creatively, and made me realize that no matter how bad things are, they could always be worse; MUCH worse.

Inevitably, some will say this is work the likes of which they've never seen out of me before, and they'd be right. That's how much this show affected me.

In a somewhat different vein is this one, which is stylistically closer to home, and readily understandable by any parent of an anxious teenager, whether whatever skills they possess are prodigal or not. Finally, one more below, just for fun.
A little Technicolor fantasy never hurt anyone, no? Hollywood made a living out of the idea for ages. Support the arts. Support education. And keep in mind the consequences of not doing so.