Paper Mache
While visiting for Thanksgiving, my daughter, who had quarantined for two weeks to be on the safe side, introduced us to the work of author, lecturer and social scientist, Dr. Brené Brown.
Dr. Brown has spent decades studying the topics of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy and is the author of five #1 New York Times bestsellers. Her book,
Daring Greatly, takes its title from a 1910 Theodore Roosevelt speech, “Citizenship in a Republic.” That is the speech about “the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly,” and
“if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
In addition to her books, Dr. Brown has given TED talks and is featured in a 2019 Netflix documentary. Her C.V. reads like an academic’s greatest hits.
So, what does any of this have to do with art and culture in Yuba-sutter? Well, maybe nothing directly, but I was inspired by Dr. Brown’s presentations and her words resonated on several levels. I think we are all “daring greatly” these days just working through our daily routines and adapting to ever changing circumstances. It takes a great deal of courage to do what we all must do. Just look at our local restaurants and other business owners trying to survive and our County and City government leaders who must make life and death decisions.
Let us entertain and enlighten you with some December art and culture. The Yuba Sutter Symphony/chorus will present a re-broadcast of Handel’s Messiah on December 5th at
11a.m. (for Kids) and on the 6th at 4 p.m. both at ysos.org.
Make an appointment to see the new two-gallery art show “COVID Stories.” Check out All About the Arts on Sunday at 4 p.m. on YSAC’S Facebook page when our special guest will be musician and the real Santa Claus, Frank Sorgea. Watch a “Corona Comedy Concert” with pandemic-inspired satire and music on Sunday at 7p.m. again on Facebook and Youtube. More at yubasutterarts.org.
(Paper Mache is a weekly column about the arts community by David Read, director of Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture.)