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Guest column: A passport to art

Doris Northstrom/for The Herald

Art in the lives of our children develops more than participation in a good play, chorus, band, woodworking, mechanics or painting.

Our family attended the Bonney Lake High School’s musical, “Oklahoma,” at the Sumner Performing Arts Center recently and was blown away by the students’ dedication and talent.

The friendly girl handing out programs bubbled over with enthusiasm as I asked how she was. “I’m nervous,” she said, “Opening night, I’m always this way. I’m so excited. You’re going to love the play.”

We found seats as near to the front as possible and our eyes feasted on the professional and colorful stage settings, carefully depicting the era. Costumes shone with color and exquisite detail as the curtain opened. Then the group on stage exploded with energy and song.

The two fine lead voices melded together, “Oh what a beautiful morning.” And I wanted to sing along.

Not a glitch through the whole evening of tap dancing, great songs, excellent acting and light-hearted humor. I didn’t want the play to end. I just wanted to dance.

The talented cast ran to the doors to greet us as we filed out of the auditorium. I thanked the tall cowboy who was grinning from ear to ear. “I hope you liked the show,” he said. I willed some of his joy and energy to rub off on me. He would sleep well, I thought, having memorized and practiced to present such a flawless performance.

What wonder for children to grow up in this world of art and music and plays, discovering their own forte though experience and their own best pathway.

Much of what we experience in the young years sets patterns that we follow throughout our lives. Quiet thinking time is needed to develop those beautiful brains. Our children thrive as they find their passions early on — with the television turned off.

The parents of a special young boy in my life recently sent me a book of poems. Luke, 8 years old, wrote a note in the flap, “I hope you like my poem that is printed on page 89.” My granddaughter and I read together from this anthology of young students and she was inspired to write some poems of her own.

Creative juices are stirred or lay dormant. How blessed we are to live in a community with so many opportunities. Many people give time and great energy to encourage the arts and are good mentoring models.

My hat goes out to all participating in “Anne of Green Gables” performed recently at the Sumner Performing Arts Center. I wish everyone in our community could have seen it. A fine production speaks to our soul and we are never quite the same again.

Life unravels at times. Art balances and enriches our days, helps to keep us whole. Hurray for the drama and music and crafts in our schools. We bask in the children’s de-light, hold their hands with pride, remembering there will always be music.

Doris Northstrom can be reached at dorisnorthstrom@aol.com.