Laity Arts: Ramping Up Again!

I don't know what sucks worse, this economy or the lack of arts programming in the schools. After closing our physical doors in January, and going virtual the very next month, we're back! After eight long months of providing lessons out of churches, homes, private studios and schools and not really knowing we would survive Laity has been granted another opportunity to yet again serve the community from one centralized location. No thanks to this economy, which at this point has become a Zen-like state of mind.

Truth be told however, we've been accustomed to having way too much in our culture and simply not knowing what to do with it all. Just look at the rise of franchise business opportunities in the personal storage business. We rely so much on the things we accumulate using our minds has in itself become a lost art. So what the heck does this have to do with Laity being back in action and the state of the arts in schools? I'm glad you asked.

Lessons Learned

When we came to the realization that the teachers at Laity were the institute and not the building we occupied, we were suddenly faced with a new found freedom. We could conduct our lessons anywhere we liked. We suddenly realized that the building limited our ability to see beyond the box. We relied too heavily on our location (building) that 'it' defined us and not our service. No one wants to spend $3900 a month in rent alone nevermind the other cost. It was an expensive lesson. One we will never repeat again but it was one that needed to be learned.

Now don't get me wrong, human nature being what it is, we've been conditioned to equate stability with a physical landmark of some kind. But the funny thing about that is the Internet has changed that paradigm. Actually it smashed it, so now you have major universities and learning institutions world-wide conducting classes online 24/7/365. Classes are taught in industrial complexes and recreation centers, junior colleges and business parks. Where ever the people want it has become the cry!

We're not naieve by any stretch of the imagination, it is important to have a consistent place from which to work from. But something wonderful happened over these 8 months that opened my eyes to new possibilities. I think in some strange way it was meant for us to go through this experience. Something needed to shake us to the core to realize that the gifts, talents and knowledge we possess can be shared anywhere, not just at a physical address. We can share and teach online through video, at a school site after school, in someones home, church or recreation facility. It has made us more aware of our community and its needs.

A New Beginning

Beginning October 4th, 2010 Laity will start LEAP (the Laity Education Arts Program) at the Palmdale Learning Plaza in Palmdale California. We will be providing the four pillars in the arts: dance, music, drama and the visual arts to children on that campus. Educational budget's are tight in California and I applaud the Palmdale School District for seeing the vision and being creative. The arts are mandated to be taught in the schools, but there isn't enough time or money to do both well. By thinking outside the box the school district will be fulfilling their mandate and mission to parents: To provide each of our children with a rigorous academic education, a safe learning environment, and the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for success. Laity is only too happy to help in this mission. It's what we do and we do it well.

In closing, think outside the box, support education and support the arts.

Keep the Focus!
Jim