Public art: State funds dedicated to create works for all

"Over the years, we've learned more about how to serve the community," says Glenn. And for the most part, he says, most people see public art "as a great investment of public dollars. It contributes in a small way to economic development, it enhances the quality of life, it adds deeper meaning to our experience. Public art appreciates in value." We are also lucky, he says, that our Legislature "had the foresight to include not only funds for art itself, but also funds for maintenance and conservation." Public art will continue to serve us for years to come, he says.

He echoes the sentiment of the Newport New Public Art Foundation, which says it well: "The impact of public art on a community is priceless and immeasurable. Public art has the power to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking, transform the places where we live, work and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction. Public art can make strangers talk, children ask questions and calm a hurried life. It enhances the quality of life by encouraging a heightened sense of place and by introducing people to works of art that can touch them and generations to come."

That's what art can do.

Email: carma@desnews.com