I’ve been asked that question dozens of times.
And the answer has another question, “Why not?”
The Santa Clarita Valley is known as a family and business friendly community.
We have wonderful parks, walking trails, sports activities for our children, four school districts, 144,000 students, a multi-million dollar library in the process of being built, and an aquatic center that is the envy of any community.
So why does a group of people come along and want to ruffle feathers and try to create something that doesn’t exist. Why would they buck the odds in a depressed economy with school programs being eliminated because of funding and schools laying off teachers.
Why now? Why here? Why The ARTree?
Because when people said it was not the time for such a thing, we said it was time, and only through passionate and dedicated people do things get done.
One by one, people have been joining the effort realizing that it is, in fact, a very probable dream. It is within reason to have a community arts center that serves the community and offers performing and visual arts.
The ARTree community arts center has shown time and again that despite great odds we can accomplish great things. The ARTree has had a very productive year, offering arts programs for hundreds of children in both The Newhall Community Center and The Activities Center in Canyon Country. The Art Walk on Main Street Newhall is another partnering effort with organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club, Old Town Newhall Association, Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School, The Assistance League and the Girls Scouts.
I always use the metaphor of a tree, being planted in the right place, at the right time of season and being cultivated and nurtured in order to grow.
The Santa Clarita Valley is the right place, the season is now, and the cultivating and nurturing is being done by all of us that participate in its programs.
If we care and nurture this wonderful acorn seed, it will grow and bare much fruit for the good of our community.
So, like I said, the answer to the question will always be answered with another question! Why not?
For more information, please visit www.theartree.org.