I moved to the Oregon Coast ten years ago after visiting to participate in a week-long painting workshop. During that visit I fell in love with the natural beauty of this place, the kind and progressive people I met, and the air of inclusion I found in the organizations, activities and events in the area. This was quite a change from the atmosphere in the California town where I had been living. I went back, sold my house, quit my job, and moved up here…moved home.
In the decade since, I have noticed a gradual, and recently more drastic decline in the ‘air of inclusion’ I had been so delighted to find on my initial visit.
The beach and ocean attract creative people. This area has an amazing assortment of artists: writers, visual artists, dancers, musicians, etc.. Our community accepts and respects all forms of creative expression. My first art show here included work from anyone who wished to contribute their artistic reactions to the 9/11 tragedy.
One of the events I have enjoyed over the years was Cartm’s annual ‘Trash Bash’ — an incredibly creative gathering that featured trash art, trash fashion, music, food from local restaurants, entertainment, auctions and more. The Trash Bash was a major fundraiser for our local recycling center and a very popular event with locals and visitors alike. It was suddenly canceled a couple of years ago.
The portion of the now fragmented Trash Bash which I have continued to participate in is the Trash Art Show. This year I got inspired, created and entered two pieces for the show, and then found out that the artists were not allowed to attend the opening night preview of the show unless they paid the $25 entry fee which gave a limited number of guests first crack at purchasing the art. I was surprised that people who contributed the art were not included at the opening to explain our process, encourage others, mix and mingle. So right off the top we are excluding artists? Those with less purchasing power? Is it just me or does this not smack of elitism?
Here’s another example of what I am talking about. A letter was recently sent out to several in the community who had not purchased tickets to a fundraising dinner for the local land trust. This letter was seeking volunteers to serve dinner to those attending said dinner who had paid a handsome (to some) sum to attend. The servers would deliver the food, would be allowed to spend their money if desired on the silent auction items, but would not be allowed to eat!
I’ve observed a similar dynamic as a volunteer at the Hoffman Center in the Clay program. There is a constant push not to create more or to ‘feel free to be creative‘, but to ‘bring in more money”.
I understand the economy is in a shambles, grants have dried up, there are constantly new regulations and pressures on nonprofits. Yet with all this in mind, must we marginalize so many in the community? One of the words defining ‘marginal’ in my dictionary is “insignificant.” That is what I felt in all these incidents — insignificant.
If only those with deep pockets are made to feel significant, what service do we render to young families in the area? The elderly? Children? I miss the joy I felt when events included babies and grandparents, when prices were kept low or on a sliding scale so that everyone could participate, when everyone’s contribution was valued. If the challenge of this age is to open our hearts to each other, maybe we need to take a fresh look at shifting the paradigm to one of gratitude for all gifts, even when the gift is not money.
Bless you for writing this, Glenna. You shine warm light into a neglected corner of our good intentions.
Pursuit of financial security should not separate us from community values. The fact that it often does should prompt us to be more inclusive in our planning.
Bless you Watt for encouraging me!
It’s sad but so true, Glenna. Artists are increasingly undervalued. Fundraisers, some of them for what I would consider “wealthy” non-profits, refuse to consider even a small stipend for live music. You’re left feeling unappreciated and insignificant.
Our local economy could thrive – hang the national trends – if only we would focus on local artists and businesses and let the rest of the country implode as it most certainly will. But to do that, even (and especially) the large and successful non-profits and for-profits both need to source locally and place the appropriate value on entertainment and visual arts as an integral part of their policy and budget.
True, Jane, “phil” the tip jar is the audience’s appreciation, not the organization’s. And the need for localization is becoming very clear. We will have to rely on each other, in all areas of life.
Thank you for focusing your talents, musically and business, here.
Our communities on the coast here depend to an unusual extent on the giving and volunteering spirit of many of its residents. You aren’t the first artist I’ve heard of that is getting burnt out on this.
On Tuesday, I participated in KMUN’s summer pledge drive during my folk show. Not my favorite activity. But at least we got to eat!
I’ve been involved in many organizations since moving here (Astoria) in 2005. I have also noticed the trend towards more corporate behavior, with increased dependence on volunteers (and poorly paid workers). It’s a general trend in the country, and maybe the world. But some organizations are better than others, and I’ve made my choices based on bang for buck (or effort).
There are an amazing array of organizations, companies and groups here on the coast that have made the area a cultural mecca, even in the face of pretty widespread poverty in the region. I suggest, Glenna, that you reach out to other groups to contribute, and settle on those that meet your needs the best. Whichever groups these are, they will appreciate you.
I also get a little down sometimes when things like you describe, as well as other things, happen in this amazing region. But then I’m reminded, as I was this week, about the incredible place and community we have here. On Tuesday, after that pledge drive radio show, I had a casual conversation with Krist Novoselic, the former bassist with Nirvana, who popped by the station to say hello. He used to be a programmer at KMUN, giving his time to the community, and having a great time at it. He was talking about his experiences with Paul McCartney recently, and this is happening in an old house that serves as the base for the most popular radio station in the region!
And yesterday, I had a great conversation with Seth Tichenor, a self-proclaimed “philosopharian” and teacher, who recently moved here full-time, mostly about progress, and then getting philosophy into the schools, and he divulged to me that his great, great uncle was Linus Pauling!! He has actually met and spoken with Pauling, who is one of my idols.
I live next door to the house where one of the members of Blind Pilot grew up, and he (Luke) is often around. The rest of the family is very talented too. And it’s pretty amazing that I’ve had casual conversations with Israel Nebeker (and his father), the band’s leader.
We do live in a special place. Your intuition about it initially was correct. I’m with you that the place has its problems, especially politically with a good-old-boy network, a history of resource depletion, and the current trend of paving over Warrenton and beyond. But there are some amazing people and institutions here (not least Watt and the ULE) that make it worth sticking around. Hang in there. Community is us.
P.S. And you can’t beat the weather!!!
My intuition has not changed about the place…I’m firmly entrenched and enjoying the amazing daily interactions, the beauty, the people, the weather. It is my home. Talking to several people with the same concerns prompted me to write. And we can’t make progress by ignoring problems can we?
And yes, Watt is a gem!!
Glenna,
Thanks for writing your brave observation (validated). Elitism has no home at the absolute edge of the ocean. I too, love the area and people. I hope your words are a wake-up for the problems you mentioned.
Vera
I love that-” the absolute edge of the ocean.” A very special place in many, many ways.
Glenna,
Thank you. You articulated some of my feelings beautifully. I have been feeling very unhappy about some of the decisions made in the past few years by CART’M and LNCT. I know, logically, that they are organizations that need fundraising to support their goals. I wholeheartedly support the missions of both organizations.
However, there seems to be a trend to focus on those activities and groups of people that can bring in the most money. The result feels very elitist to me though I do not think that is the intent.
Unfortunately their intent doesn’t matter if the end result is that an individual (me) who supports their goals and is local FEELS as though the priorities have changed from being a community organization to being one where the first priority is the bottom line.
I have mentioned my concerns to various people at CART’M and they say they are aware of the issue though your experiences with both organizations does not seem to reflect any change in their decisions.
I am hoping that these non-profits will take a hard look at the decisions they are making, solicit community support to identify the issues, and go back to making everyone, both fulltime, part-time, and outside feel a part of these very valuable organizations.
HopeS
Growing pains is part of the problem, I think. How to move from grass roots start ups to grown up, staffed and budgeted adult organizations without losing the joyful enthusiasm which was the impetus for the start up?! How do we find a balance which doesn’t burn out the leaders or leave good people out? Thank you for your response!
Thank you Glenna for writing this! I was puzzled at the time by the events you mentioned and am relieved to see that not all agree with the exclusion. I believe that an inclusive community is becoming even more critical for our well being and survival as a society. Your article reminds us that we must nurture it.
-Renee D.L.
How do we best nurture inclusion?? I like that idea.
Thanks Glenna for saying what others feel and think. I, too, have experienced a shift in how our community (and I would guess many others) has responded to the arts in the last few years. Manzanita used to have a cooperative art gallery and several other places to show work and that venue has been absorbed by retail businesses (which I am thankful for). I, too, have been put off by the constant request to show or share my art in fundraisers, but not given a “free” invitation to the opening celebration. So, I have started to say “No” to those requests (which is sad). But, for me, it is not just the fundraising events. For three years I took invitations to my openings to many of the retail business in the 3 villages, businesses that I have supported many times over the past five years. Not one person from a retail store has ever been to one of my shows or even commented that they have seen my work. So the issue of respect for local artists is larger, I think, than the not-for-profit events. I have voiced my concern to other artist friends privately during the last two years. I hope this more open forum stimulates more dialogue and is perhaps a catalyst for change.
I agree, Lynn, the issue is bigger than just nonprofits. Respect for creatives, business people, visitors, everyone. Watt was telling me about a potlatch he attended. I loved the idea of a gift economy, but all contributions would need to equally valued. Or given with no thought of return. How exciting would that be? Of course that would mean a total reworking of our systems of exchange…why not get a head start?
Hi Glenna,
Your brave and contemplative words prompt me to express feelings that while not exactly on topic do for me strike a similar cord.
On one hand, a unique aspect of our community that I love is that wealthy and poor individuals among us do have numerous times when we genuinely interact as mutual community members. On the other hand, this proximity of different “financial classes” can also mean those of us in the community who face life with lesser or poverty level financial resources can be especially vulnerable to the sense of insignificance that is unwittingly fostered when there is insensitivity by those with means to the reality and challenges that financially impoverished people face daily.
Both with NCRD and with the Hoffman Center, for example, to a financially poorer person or family, it can feel like these nonprofit or publicly funded venues exist as subsidized retirement enrichment programs for retired people of means in our community.
So many of the offerings at Hoffman Center are wonderful, wonderful events. They do reflect the arts and culture vibrancy that I appreciate within our three villages. When I could still “afford” to live beyond my means I made the choice to attend some events at Hoffman and felt inspired, enriched and grateful for the opportunity. I couldn’t help but notice, however, that time and again the attendees were so often the same people. Was it that only these few were actually interested enough to attend or is it that so many of us would love to attend but can not afford to do so?
Unfortunately, a $10 to $15 admission ticket IS way beyond the budgetary allowance of someone of meager means. The opportunity to volunteer to sell and take tickets at the door in exchange for the cost of attendance is limited to a few. Consequently, for many of us, we must simply not indulgence a desire to attend any of the offerings at Hoffman. It is just one more part of the world that exists only for people of means that we must make invisible to ourselves. One more part of life that exists as a surreal, untouchable, parallel universe.
I know it costs money to take care to the Hoffman Center and it has needed lots of repair and maintenance work. These things do cost money, a lot of money, and the Hoffman Center has reason to be proud of what has been accomplished. I just wish the event offerings could be affordable to more people in our community.
Maybe there could be a sliding scale on tickets that went higher and lower than the $10 -$15 and was based on persons’ financial means. Or maybe Hoffman could have work days throughout the year where one could work and earn points towards reduced admission fees at later events. Or maybe people who have significant disposable income could be approached to contribute to a tax deductible trust fund that would be created solely for the purpose of making event tickets affordable to those of lesser means.
When we are told that admission prices are already a “steal of a deal” yet they are truly way beyond ones means, one does feel insignificant or a sense of shame.
Many of us despite whatever circumstances led to a more financially impoverished life are not victims and do our best to budget and be creative within what we do have. We choose to find joy, friendship, meaning and comfort in our lives regardless of circumstance. The beauty of our natural surroundings and the generosity which is so often shown to people in need in our three-village community helps inspire this choice of well-being. Thank you all!
For those of us for whom a $10-$15 admission is effortless we might easily be totally unaware that it is truly unaffordable to many of our friends in the community. It is one thing when institutions of profit or greed are insensitive to those of lesser financial means. I realize, however, I innately hold nonprofits and public supported entities to a more inclusive standard. So when I feel financially excluded in these latter arenas, it hits me harder; it hurts more. My feeling of insignificance or shame is greater.
I encourage greater sensitivity and creative problem solving by both NCRD and the Hoffman Center to be more inclusive to those with meager financial means. We are a great community that can strive to be even better. I do not think exclusion of the poor is the intent of the boards and directors of NCRD and the Hoffman Center as they continuously struggle to operate in the black. However, it is undoubtedly also convenient to tell oneself that programs are affordable to everyone rather than face the challenges inherent in realizing they are not. In lieu of concern or action to be more inclusive of those who are the poorer among us maybe NCRD and the Hoffman Center could add the following line to their mission statements: “Our mission and services are provided for all who can afford it.”
A very similar chord, Sheila. You give some very good suggestions of options for making events more available to a wider range of people. I love the phrase, ” a more inclusive standard.” The richness generated by including differences of all types: economic, ages, racial, spiritual, etc. can only enrich us all! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Glenna: Thank you for putting a voice to a prevalent problem at the non profits. I hope the leaders of the various agencies take your concerns to heart, and make some changes. Your article puts voice to Maya Angelou’s quote:
People will forget what you said
People will forget what you did
But people will never forget how you made them feel.
Perfect, Deb! Thank you! I hope so too.
Thank you for this graceful call to mindfulness, Glenna.
As the child of retired schoolteachers, I’m familiar with the starvation of the arts in schools and how wrongheaded this is. Art, music, dance, writing, drama, and all the other modes of self-expression are crucial to our humanity, the transmission of culture, and the preservation not only of our species, but of the Earth herself. It’s so damaging to deprive us of this soul-nourishment in favor of spending time memorizing irrelevant factoids that children will just forget two weeks later, when they move on to the next “unit.”
It also grieves me that art is often treated as the preserve of the wealthy, not the common heritage and birthright of all humanity. Why should classical music concerts, for example, be accessible only to the black-tie-and-pearls set, while financially constrained people are supposed to content ourselves with workshops where everyone’s supposed to make the same style of potholder?
Margaret, as a former public school teacher, I totally agree. The loss of the arts in the middle school where I taught in CA is one of the things that drove me out. Humans learn in many ways, not all of them sit in your seat, take notes, regurgitate what you were just told. Some of my art students excelled ‘only’ in art class.
I just returned from a concert by young local musicians. The lessons they learn through practice, discipline and creativity will undoubtedly take them to places factoids never will.
Appreciating differences in all categories is so enriching, and, as you said, “are crucial to our humanity, the transmission of culture, and the preservation not only of our species, but of the Earth herself.”
Thank you for writing!