Public art helps cities connect, thrive
Yuma’s sense of community would grow with more art
If we could make one suggestion to the powers that be in Yuma, it would be this: embrace and encourage public art.
Art enriches a community, giving it character and sparkle. It brings people together, encourages conversation, and helps streets become communities.
San Diego and Tucson are full of public art, from art-covered electrical boxes to murals painted on the sides of buildings. In San Diego’s Pacific Beach, for example, every single electrical box is painted creatively. Those boxes have been that way for years — and the community takes care of them. They are clean of grime and graffiti, and instead of being eyesores, they are talking points of interest.
It’s something from which Yuma could really benefit. As it stands currently, we have the occasional painted electrical or utility box, murals sprinkled around on buildings, and a few public pieces of art, such as the giant fork down on Main Street.
There are murals downtown and at some of our parks, and businesses are embracing the concept, such as Economy Muffler on 1st Avenue or the side of the Littlewood Fine Art and Community Co-Op on 2nd Avenue.
But at the same time, we’re losing that, too. The water towers, once brightly painted with a desert landscape, are now being painted the standard beige. While we understand that cost is a concern, those murals sparked conversation and curiosity as people pulled into Yuma. They were certainly controversial years ago when originally painted with a desert landscape, but as that controversy faded away, the water towers were appreciated.
There will always be a question as to whether or not government entities should pay for art beatification projects, or whether those funds could be better spent elsewhere. It’s a tough question and a delicate balance to strike.
But there is no question that public art improves cities and communities. It builds pride in the community, gives a community character and flavor, and draws visitors, too.
To help Yuma grow, encourage the growth of art, and make Yuma truly a bright place to live.
DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?
When I see signs reading United States, I feel that today this is as far from the truth as one can get. What we are showing ourselves as being, in reality, is ‘divided,’ and it’s all due to the disrespect we are witnessing being shown towards our president.
When were the Clintons ever attacked from morning until night over CNN, or how about Barack Obama?
When one hears of a play presently being produced in New York dating back to the times of Julius Caesar, and they’ve a character dressed up to resemble President Trump whom they stab to death. And then you have that comedian Kathy Griffin holding up a bloody head resembling Trump. These people ought to be deported and never allowed back in our country. What a mockery we’ve become to the entire world over what we allow people to get by with. And all under the name of freedom.
As for Trump showing his earnings and tax statements. Who cares as to what he pays or doesn’t pay when one considers the thousands of people whom are employed by him. Where some say he lies, know this is something we are all guilty of depending on our circumstances. It’s not me saying this but rather the words of Christ. One can bet that every reporter who’s guilty of pointing their finger at him have most likely done worse things. While I’m not condoning such behavior, it’s something we are all guilty of at one time or another.
When it comes to our president’s tweeting, let’s look at the positive side of things by asking, how many men do you know his age who have the stamina to get up at 3 a.m. to send out messages? Most I know of only get up at that time to use the restroom.
Since Trump happened to win the election, I’ve come to despise the name Democrat. To me, they are sick to do this to a man and his family.
Where millions loved the ideas Trump first presented, how will they ever come about, I ask, when half the country’s only thought in their mind is to destroy him? At any cost, I may add.
I would like to respond to the editorial “Devices not to blame for deaths.” I agree the problem to the violence in America is not guns. I think abortion is a direct link to the growing violence in our society.
Like violence, abortion devalues human life. This act has no regard or respect for the early life and soul of a human being, but rather says, “I don’t want you!” Then violence is done even up to the ninth month. Pictures of aborted babies are not pretty.
Like violence, abortion deadens consciences, conscience — the ability to discern right from wrong. I believe abortion causes deep shame and guilt so unspeakable that often can’t be faced for many years, and then only with the help of counseling. I believe it is a societal wound so deep which festers with each new abortion, the devaluation of life. Do you know that each year there are more than 320,000 abortions in America?
“Where have all the babies gone? ... When will they ever learn?”
Like violence, abortion corrupts a whole society. What is done behind closed doors in the doctor’s office eventually will come out into the light. Its repercussions are now raising their ugly heads across our land as seen in the pathetic and abhorrent killings in our schools, malls, work places, etc. Mother Teresa correctly and prophetically saw this coming when she said, “If a mother can kill her own child in the womb, what is to stop people from killing each other?”
Like violence, abortion tears at the heart of a family because a family member is not there. I agree we can’t force someone to value life, but we can teach it one father and mother at a time. Respecting life starts at home. Every child needs to know they are good, important and valued. From family to family, the fabric of our society, we must do our part ... value life at its very beginnings, end abortion and end the violence.