One of the things I am most grateful for in my life is me ability to create, an ability I share with every other person on this planet, just by virtue of being human. For me , in fact, the ability and desire to create is one of the defining points of what makes us human, and the appreciation of others creative efforts is an acknowledgement of the shared experiences of being human. Creative expression takes a myriad of forms and is endlessly and continuously manifesting and expanding with each creators unique views and expression of our collective and personal experiences. Creative expression is not only food for the soul of the creator, but its outward flow nourishes and sustains the whole of society. Cultures are defined by their creative output..their music, their cuisine , architecture, dance and painting. A healthy and vigorous society nurtures and encourages creative expression, and recognizes it’s value. How sad then, at this moment in time, we are seeing a diminishment of the importance of creative expression, subjugating it to the level of an afterthought, or a luxury to be indulged in after the more important business of living is done, as if it ever is. Schools cut art programs, funding dissappears for symphonies, and the list goes on and on. In “hard times” creative activities come to be regarded as superfluous and non -nessesities. The result can only be a dessicated and soul-less environment that strives only for mere survival. It is vitally important in times such as these to maintain our connection to the life affirming act of creative expression and insist on a wholistic and balanced society where the practical and the fanciful work in support of each other.