Portrait of the President with Hands
Portrait of the President with Hands 6 x 7 inches, pen and ink on hot pressed board, 2021
Letter to the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500RE: Federal Arts Program
Dear Mr. President,
I'm writing to you to please reinstate the Federal Art Project or some form of federally supported community art program so artists can actively engage in art production, research, and instruction.
Art is essential for our civilization in that even a simple cave art painting creates awe in the human mind. Art creates joy without prejudice. Imagine a world without the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the National Gallery of Art.
I believe art comes from the same place the universe comes from, a creative impulse that inspires our civilization. The brightest periods of humanity have been propelled forward by focused art patronage creating golden eras out of dark ages.Speaking on behalf of many artists I believe there's so much we can give to the community, for example, library classrooms and empty retail storefronts in New York City could be filled with art educators, instructing young people and adults in computer and art literacy and culture.
Empty storefronts and library spaces can be converted to community centers for education.
Art is endangered to be extinguished because big industries are not hungry for art. Imagine a world without Jackson Pollock because who needs splashes of paint?
Art is created spontaneously out of life, it only needs a breathing and living artist to do it.
For millennia great works of art have been a result of great patronage and programs, from the Pharaohs to the Medici, to Mount Rushmore.
Art needs federal help in a focused program. Art needs your help. On behalf of many artists I ask, please, help.
With best wishes,
Mirena RheeNew York ,NY, November, 2021