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The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va., Michelle Wolford column: Local survey seeks artists of all stripes(The Dominion Post in Morgantown (WV)(KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Jun. 29--WE ALL LIKE to be counted. We like to know that the work we do is significant. It's especially important for those in the arts to be recognized, even though their creative hours may be spent in isolation. And how does a starving (or even thriving) artist get his name out, her work in the limelight? Would you believe through a cultural inventory? That's right, an inventory. And the way that you can take part in this counting of the artists, of those who create, is to log on to www.artsmon.org and fill out the survey. Arts Monongahela has been collecting surveys since February, and though area arts organizations have been quick to respond to the call, individual artists are conspicuously absent. "We're not hearing from the little guys," said Jack Thompson, Arts Mon's executive director. "This is a community resource. It's a way for people in the community to find you, to know what you're creating so that if there's a need, they have a comprehensive list of who's available, who's doing what." And that "what" is widespread -- musicians who are available for a performance or who offer lessons, portrait painters, performance artists, actors, directors, voice coaches ... you get the picture. And venues can be included, too. And recording studios. There's a lot of leeway when it comes to the arts. "It's kind of like the census," Thompson said. "You can't expect the services to be there if you don't answer the questions when they ask." It's really that simple. So I'm begging you -- if you consider yourself an artist, get counted. "The information collected," Thompson said, "will be used in an Arts and Culture Guide that will be distributed to members of our community. Some of this information will also be included in an online directory to improve arts information access for the public." Any questions? Call Thompson at 291-6720, or go to www.artsmon.org. Doggone it On a recent trip to Charleston, I dined at one of those places that are fast disappearing from America (and certainly Morgantown) -- restaurants not owned by chains. One morning, as I waited for some homecooked food, I spent a few minutes reading the ad-riddled place mat. This caught my eye: "10 percent off puppies." Now, most folks know how I feel about puppies. I think they're sweeter than most humans -- they're little bundles of joy with big feet. They're to be cherished and cared for and loved. So I was a tad disturbed by the concept of "discount puppies." To add insult to injury, below the coupon was this advisory: "Does not apply to already discounted items." That made my heart hurt. Were they bad puppies? Are they maimed? Scratched? Dented? By the time my breakfast arrived, I'd lost my appetite. MICHELLE WOLFORD is a Lifestyles writer/copy editor. E-mail [email protected]. n |