Art Beat: Your own drum

I’ve covered the local art scene for over five years now. I’ve met a colorful cast of characters playing their roles in the ever evolving story that is the Mat-Su Valley.

While the Valley is home to its fair share of hermits and outliers, it’s also nurturing a growing number of local artists of all ages and creative inclinations.

One of the most pervading themes I’ve come across through my event coverage and various interviews always seems to come back to community support. That comes in many forms but the end result is the same, a continuous trend of one artist encouraging another. The cycle repeats outward and upward to new levels every year, bolstering the overall creative scene.

What does that mean? To start, that means more high quality local entertainment right in our own backyard. It also means that the next generation of talented youngsters are more likely to pursue their creativity and take it to fun and even unexpected places, starting at a friendly open mic night or group painting workshop.

My point is this, next time you see an opportunity to encourage someone to pursue their passion, seize the moment and help them dance to the beat of their own drum. Who knows? Maybe that beat will bump and bounce and make its way to the company of a guitar or microphone. Add an amp, and you’ve got yourself a band.

For better or worse, don’t let the success go to your head or let the failures keep you from learning and laughing your way out of it. In other words, don’t be a jerk.

When you’re rich and famous, just remember to send a postcard to all the little people that encouraged you to find your special purpose.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com