On a city street, walking to an art opening a few nights ago, I heard the unmistakable “thump… whack… thump, thump, whack” of a drummer’s practice session through an apartment window. Walking back to my car almost two hours later he was still rehearsing, still perfecting his craft. After getting past my initial sympathy for his neighbor I had to smile…  I love when people live their lives with that kind of passion. And artists typically do. So after this uplifting evening filled with thought-provoking photography, stirring music, artfully prepared food and the sound of that young, aspiring musician, it disturbed me to remember that, soon, legislators will be having their annual debate about whether or not the county should fund the arts. Continue reading →