It's Nice to Have an Art Park!

Violin Student

Violin Student II

Violin Teacher

I went to the new Art Park in Palos Heights on Saturday. It will not officially open until June 2009 but yesterday on the small plot of land that will be devoted to the arts, several of my art league members gathered. We showed our artwork and had a silent auction with some of our pieces. We sampled wine and cheese from Coopers Hawk and listened to violin music played by Beverly Art Center students. Four girls and a boy, ranging in ages from perhaps 5 to 15, entranced me as they stood there, so focused by what they were doing, so in the zone. I smiled because I know that feeling and the generation gap between us seemed to melt as each musical note drifted past my ears. I was quite mesmorized by the music that floated through the air and lingered by the musicians for much of the afternoon. Later, the two teachers played music from Cats (Memory), Ave Maria and various other melodies, sending me to a very peaceful place. I asked the violin teachers if I could take a few photos with promises of sending them copies. They were pleased by that. I also inquired about violin lessons for myself. Though I play the piano, there is something about stringed instruments that is as if angels are playing them. All in all, a day of creative bliss surrounded by like minds. As the day ended, I shivered, realizing the temperature had really dropped. Yet, for a while, my heart had been so warmed by the creative energy around me I had scarcely noticed the autumn chill. I would love to have 364 more days just like this, just like today, or close to it. I am thankful for the creation of art parks and music teachers who know how important the arts are to our souls. And I am grateful to me for being able to appreciate and take it all in!