I often hear people say they are not creative, but creativity, indeed “art,” comes in very many varieties, and it isn’t always the best art that gets noticed. Sometimes creativity gets noticed because the artist had the courage to create, and then share that creation.
We all have the ability to create art in one or more of its many forms. It’s part of our humanity. I hope this issue, focused on The Arts, will give you the courage to express the art you feel. If it doesn’t do that, I hope it will at least inspire you to enjoy the art of others. To that end, we bring you our first pullout section, in the middle of the magazine, listing galleries, events, and organizations that will help you get artsy. This is our first shot at a very large topic, so I invite you to contact me if we missed your contribution to the arts in the Ozarks. Email me at deb@marvmag.com.
Our stories in this issue illustrate the various ways we express the art of simply living. Our covergirl, Kelly Householder-Giuliano, shares her very personal thoughts about the art of letting life flow when it doesn’t unfold as planned. She shows us how she let go of Hollywood and came to embrace the art of giving of herself.
Judy Loving writes about the life questions that come with retirement, a time that can be both joyful and terrifying. How will you walk into retirement? Artfully? Judy’s got some thoughts for you on this important transition.
If you have a sister, you understand the close bond of sisterhood. Jan Peitz takes us with her two sisters, a busload of girlfriends, and two men!, on a girlfriend getaway to Eureka Springs. She and her sisters have made an art of spending time together twice a year. This time, they let us in on it.
I am thrilled to include in this issue Christy Case Keirn’s story about young artist Ava Obert. At 11, she is already winning awards at the state level. Her painting of a mallard duck for the Junior Art Stamp program won Arkansas Best of Show and will tour the country with other national finalists. She is talented, darling, and definitely inspiring. She’s marvelous!
Artist Sandy Barksdale writes the Marvelous! Voices essay in this issue. She shares the intimate process of creating a painting, and the agony of letting it go. And artist Jeanne Roth is our Marvelous! Woman for June/July. Several of her paintings hang in our own personal collection, and I can’t help but think of her as my Marvelous! artist.
We lost the beloved potter Helen Phillips this year. At a wonderful memorial for her, the many friends and artists gathered in her garden were offered some of her clay. Several years ago, when interviewing Helen, I asked if I could purchase a small clay goddess with grass hair she had created after having a dream. She declined, but told me how I could make my own (she was always teaching!). I am no potter, but with some of Helen’s clay, and the courage she bestowed upon me, I have a nature goddess in the making.
I wish you the courage to express the art you feel in whatever way makes you happy. M! June/July 2014
Deb Peterson
Publisher, Editor
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