It’s always nice to look back on one’s life to find the important moments
when something, or someone, had an impact. In fact, such a moment can sometimes be so inspirational that it can change your life forever.
Looking back on my life as a child, I remember how I admired my older brothers and wanted to play football like one, or be an artist like the other. They both excelled at what they worked at and I did everything I could to be like them. I would watch their every move and tried to emulate them.
As I grew, got married, and had children of my own, I found myself being the mentor to my own growing family. But I also enjoyed the moments that I would learn from my kids. My wife sometimes called me her third child, because I liked to be part of the gang. They soaked in my input and I would learn from their carefree world.
Even today, 30 years later, my children teach me about new things in this world of technology, even though I am fully convinced that I am so far behind I will never catch up. There are times when I can be a full-fledged dad, and times I like hanging on to some childlike qualities and become a kid again.
Childhood is a special time, a time to be cherished. These fun times are important because they are the basis of that child’s memories as they grow into adulthood.
It never ceases to amaze me how much our young students teach us. I know, as an artist, I can appreciate children that are totally free in their creativity, and able to effortlessly put together a picture that is both beautiful and delivers a message. The innocence of a child is a wonderful thing.
That is why The ARTree tries to nurture this wonderful quality in every activity we present. Encouraging young talent brings confidence in other aspects of the young person’s life that they would normally not get in other environments. We try to create a special place that they can come and be totally free.
Bob Hernandez President The ARTree community arts center. For more information, call 818-634-4180 or visit www.theartree.org!