Judy Bruce

“You are no longer the same after experiencing art!” This thought-provoking quote, discovered by New York Times writer David Brooks on a tote bag, resonates deeply within the cultural conversation today. It raises an essential question: Does engaging with art, music, and literature make us better individuals?

Historically, philosophers like Aristotle believed in the transformative power of the arts. However, this belief faces skepticism in contemporary society, leading to cuts in arts programs across educational institutions. Brooks observes a troubling trend: college students are favoring computer science over the humanities, implying that career prospects have eclipsed the pursuit of enriching knowledge. This shift has contributed to dwindling museum attendance, art gallery closures, and reduced audiences for live performances such as theater and dance. While online arts programs proliferate, they lack the depth of in-person experiences.

Experiencing art offers profound emotional insights. It enriches personal experiences, fostering a greater understanding of diverse perspectives. Brooks argues that our societal challenges—loneliness, anger, and division—stem partly from a lack of empathetic engagement with others. He asserts, “We’re over-politicized while growing increasingly under-moralized, under-spiritualized, under-cultured.”

He calls for a revival of humanist values, emphasizing that immersing oneself in the arts is crucial in confronting life’s essential question: How should I live? The arts serve as a gateway to empathy, allowing us to engage with another’s emotional landscape, understand their joys and sorrows, and deepen our human connections. Many can recall a book that shifted their perspective or a piece of art that evoked deep emotional responses.

Although Picasso’s Guernica offers a potent representation of wartime empathy, copyright restrictions prevent its use here. Instead, Michelangelo’s Pietà serves as an equally powerful example. Created when Michelangelo was just 23, this sculpture captures the deep bond between the Virgin Mary and her deceased son, Jesus. Its unparalleled detail and lifelike quality evoke compassion and empathy—an experience that transcends generations.

As I noted previously, seeing is vital to the human experience. We all possess an artistic spirit, transforming the silent, colorless universe around us into vibrant narratives and emotions. Art enhances our world, making it richer and more compassionate.

Engage with your community through the Sonoran Arts League for classes designed to awaken your creative spirit. Explore local galleries, where art has the power to elicit tears of joy or inspire a deeper connection with our shared humanity.

“You Gotta Have Art!”