Celebration of arts important, appreciated

We have an instinct for art, even during a catastrophe. Art is what reminds us of our humanity. It also connects us to one another by tapping into our senses, our memory, and our instincts.

Because I think art is so important for the local economy and for quality of life, I can’t miss the opportunity to sing the praises of Lindsay Benacka and the entire team at the Yuma Art Center for the 2020 Tribute of the Muses celebration.

From the promotion, to the organization, to the way they made it feel fun and fancy even in the face of a pandemic with the virtual red carpet, photo booth and top-notch video, to the dinner options and the partyin-a-bag, Lindsay understands how

to optimize support and energy and make lemonade out of lemons.

I was part of a small group who picked up our dinner boxes and had a backyard party to celebrate our favorite nominee this year. As I was watching the video, it dawned on me how important this event is for us, year after year, to take a moment to celebrate the large and diverse arts community that has grown in Yuma, especially in the last 20 years, and probably at least partly in response to exactly this type of support.

Art flourishes when it is not treated as an afterthought. Artists who visit or move to Yuma quickly realize that art is celebrated here – and that’s due to the efforts of hundreds of people.

This year, it might have been a simpler choice to take a pass on producing a huge event like Tribute. I’m so glad the City of Yuma recognizes the economic impact of the arts community and decided to celebrate.

With great appreciation,

LORI STOFFT

Yuma