Why is art important? It's a vital part of the human condition. It's a thread of our soul. In some of us, the thread has been woven, over and over, through many years, into a tapestry... showing our dedication to this phenomenal medium... and how it connects children to their inner talent, how it connects adults with disabilities to their younger, stronger self, how it connects strangers... neighbors... people of different faiths, the world over. 

Art as Action Launch Party was awesome! Now, it's time to finish the fund raising. We exist for the greater good. Your participation is welcomed...and needed.

We are not human beings without ART. Art is a part of us, all of us.

Yes, as the video says, The World NEEDS ART, and ART needs YOU.

YOU... the woman reading this, or the man reading this... you are already feeling the truth in your heart and soul. You have an artivist in you - a human experience you need to share - but, you may not have the means or opportunity to share it, where you are. That story you wish you could tell, but aren't able to (for reasons known only to you), that picture you've been wanting to pain or create (started but sitting unfinished, in your garage...or in your soul), that dance you dance in front of the mirror after you shower - that you wish you could dance for others; you can be an Artivist sharing the meaning of art, by helping support this small but talented and determined group of performers. They (and I) will be eternally grateful.

The video talks about why we are passionate about art and about Art as Action. It asks for donations. We have a SMALL campaign running online this month, and our goal is tiny... with your help, we will reach it and go beyond. With your help, we can move mountains. Yes, we live in Colorado, we understand what it means to move mountains.

If you are native to our area, you can still participate in the concept and purpose. Art knows no limits. It's not confined to one place, or time. If you are a friend of mine, or a fan of Lipsticking, or someone who just gets it when it comes to the value and importance of art in our lives... if you agree The World Needs Art and Art Needs You, you will go to the campaign page and donate $25. Such a small amount out of someone's yearly budget. We only do this once a year... and if 100 people donated $25, we'd be halfway to our goal... if 100 people found $50, we'd make goal and rise above it.

Perhaps you're a business yourself. Perhaps you understand the power of artistic input in the world of business. Perhaps you'd like to join us with a bigger donation, become a sponsor, participate and collaborate as a Boardivist... we'd welcome you.

Perhaps you're tired of all the people on social media reaching out for donations. "Support this or that" they say. "This is important," they say. "I am passionate about this," they say. And you think, I wish I could give. But, I've given enough.

I understand. I, too, am approached daily for support... of one sort or another. I give when I can.

Here's the kicker - we all choose those ideas that are most important to us, to support. In this new world of crowdfunding, it's easier than ever to 'give'. So, I ask you... if not $25, can you spare $5? Five dollars will go to help support the ability of Art as Action to continue sharing their art with the community around them. And, by doing so, it will lift up communities everywhere. Your business can be a supporter of that... of a bigger community...of people who love art.

Because, as John Donne said so long ago, "No man is an island." We exist on this earth together, no matter how far apart we live.

John Keats wrote, "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for." 

I challenge you to read Walt Whitman's poem, "Oh me! Oh life!" to the end: "...you are here; that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"

Make your verse count. Be an Artivist today. Yes, because I'm asking, but more so because your participation shows the world how important this is to the soul of every human being, everywhere.

My goal is to raise $1000 for Art as Action. I cannot do it alone.