Let kids be artists

EDITOR,

I support teacher Wes Huffman’s idea to cover utility boxes in town with artwork. A subcommittee of the Tracy Arts Commission turned down the idea, but the issue is up again at tonight’s Tracy City Council meeting.

What is wrong with our society? What a wonderful opportunity for Tracy youth to add something to Tracy. We don’t have much choice regarding graffiti and its delinquent roots, but we have control and an opportunity to showcase the talents of our children. 

How wonderful it would be to drive through the city and see creativity and inspiration all over the place.

Daily, we all deal with the bump and grind and get more than a lion’s share of bad news on television and in newspapers. To canvas Tracy with artwork would enhance the community and add spontaneity to our landscape, and the children would have a great deal of fun in the process. 

Sarvey Shoes is willing to have students paint the front of its store. Other businesses may support a work of art. Who knows the possibilities? Tracy would be known for its unique and extraordinary city decor. Let’s not all just live life, but put some life into our living!

The council needs to approve this suggestion or risk stifling a lot of youngsters who have tremendous gifts to offer this community.

Art honor should wait

EDITOR,

Certainly, there is a time and a place appropriate for amateur art: school campuses, beginner’s art shows, county fairs, refrigerators. I’ve displayed my children’s artistic attempts many times, and I cherish each drawing. I would not, however, commission my budding artists to decorate the city with their creations. The privilege and honor of permanent and broad public display should be earned.

Traditionally, and preferably, this comes only after one’s talent is perfected with study, work and dedication. Michelangelo was not asked to paint or sculpt for the public while he was still "full of potential." But, oh, what a magnificent gift was bestowed on the world when, at last, he earned the right to bring forth that gift! I urge city officials to consider giving the budding artists of Tracy an opportunity to work toward such a worthy goal as permanent public display by not commissioning them before they have earned the honor.