A reminder: all art is good art.
I experienced three performances today, none of them precisely in my own wheelhouse.
First, I heard a festival performance from my son’s concert band. Next, I experienced my daughter’s middle school play, “Chasing Charming.” Finally, I saw the second act of Rockford HS’s production of the hit Abba jukebox musical Mamma Mia!
While none of them are art I would make myself, I loved all three of them for what they were and more importantly for what they provided to the participants. Hearing the band’s growth and musicality was exciting. Watching some middle school performers deliver their first-ever lines in front of an audience was affirming of their future. And watching the joy on the faces of both performers and audience was uplifting.
I often use the phrase “not for me” to describe some art, instead of saying “I don’t like it.” And even though I wouldn’t even say “not for me” for these three performances (just not in my wheelhouse), they were still a great reminder that “not for me” art is “for me” art for someone. And if art is “for me” for one person, it’s good art.
All art is good art.