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I know we all have favorite things we like to do when we travel. One of mine, I know you won’t believe this, is to seek out new and different art locations.

A recent trip to Chicago allowed me to enjoy this favorite pastime. There is so much to see in the many art museums that exist there. This not being my first trip to Chicago, I opted to visit something other than the museums. I took a long casual tour of an Art Center.

As I entered the facility, I was immediately struck with the truth of how art is everywhere. I, of course, was pleased to confirm that I have not been lying to anyone when I say “look around you — would anything exist without the arts?”

As I entered I was greeted with the warmth of natural light and the use of natural materials to create a space that provides a perfect venue for the display of art. A circular two floor atrium sits in the center of the facility. Surrounding the atrium were glass walls and doors leading into individual galleries. Each of the galleries interior walls were brick and the ceilings wood. On the lower level one wing housed studio spaces ranging from 130 to 400 square feet. The other wing housed classroom space, providing educational opportunities in the visual arts. It was quite impressive.

Is any of this sounding familiar? There I was in the great city of Chicago that boasts so many offerings to so many people, and walking through I was reminded of how in the small city of Marco Island Florida we offer at the very least this one same great opportunity. We have an arts center right here in our 4 mile by 6 mile city!

Oh, there was one big difference!

You probably think I am going to say the space, well, maybe it was bigger. Our own arts center does have the great two story atrium surrounded with glass windows providing an infusion of natural light. Or maybe you think it’s the additional artist studio spaces; well, yeah, our arts center isn’t designed to rent space to individual artists. Our own arts center does have great gallery and gift shop space that provides selling opportunities for artists. No, it wasn’t the classroom space. Our own arts center provides studio space providing educational opportunities in not just the visual arts, but also in music, writing, theater, and cooking. The one big difference — our Marco Island Center for the Arts is non-profit! This art center was for profit and it made me realize that maybe there are many people who just don’t know this simple fact about our Center for the Arts.

We just had a team of seven individuals who volunteered their time to the benefit of the Marco Island Center for the Arts. This is not an uncommon experience. The way they did it was. They worked the election polls and donated the money that they would have earned to our arts center. They got it! They know that our arts center is non-profit and that the only way we are able to offer the programs we do is by bringing money in. Don’t get scared. We don’t need you to work the election polls; but we do need you to take part in supporting the arts where you live, even if it is only part-time.

You could do it so many ways. Of course you could join the Center for the Arts, which now happens to be the perfect time as memberships are valid through Sept. 30, 2009.

Or you could take part in Art @ Hours, our evening programs, and I know for a fact we have a couple being offered for September. Or you could purchase a piece of art from any of the local galleries or hire an artist to paint a mural or provide faux painting services. You could put money in that tip jar when you are out listening to the musician playing. You could buy a ticket to a performance or fundraising event. There are so many ways you can support the arts. Just take the time to visit your city and I am sure you will see what I saw. Art is everywhere.

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Christine Neal is the executive director of Marco Island’s Center of the Arts. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in the Liberal Arts with emphasis in the Fine Arts and various certifications and designations in business and the arts. An award winning artist, with 20-plus years in management and sales. Marco Island’s Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive 239-394-4221 mail@marcoislandart.com.