Arts enjoying support from community

To the editor:
    Art is defined as the production or expression of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. It can be the illustration in a newspaper or magazine, a department of skilled performance; industrial arts, a branch of learning or university study; liberal arts. Art requires skilled workmanship and execution.
    For the past several years I have been involved in the Southern Aroostook Cultural Arts Project. Many community people have engaged in the development of this project over the years. The mission of this project is “to foster a flourishing arts community in Northern Maine, creating an exciting cultural environment and a voice for arts and artists.”
    The vision statement reads as follows: “SACAP sees a future where children, youth, and adults alike recognize the importance of art and cultural activities to education and community life, and devote talent, careers, energy and financial resources to a lively creative economy”.
    The project has been organized since 1999. The storefront downtown was rented in 2004 and the Visions and Blue Moon Galleries are the resource centers for the arts. The Stellar Art Cavern, located in the back of the Visions retail store, now exists as a classroom and resource center. The Blue Moon Gallery is an exhibit gallery where several exhibits are hosted each year.
    As president of SACAP, I would like to extend a special thank-you to the businesses and Friends of the Arts that support our efforts to work within the community. We promote businesses that sponsor events and would encourage anyone to contact any member of the Board of Directors if they would like to become a sponsor. We are non-profit and work diligently to support the needs of the community.
    If you have any ideas that you would like to share, our mailing address is SACAP/Visions, 66 Main St., Houlton, ME 04730. The Board of Directors would appreciate hearing from you.
Robert Cowperthwaite
SACAP president