To the editor:

I was saddened by the letter by Betty Henderson in the Feb. 17 Public Forum.

The Percent for the Arts program is a very small amount of the city budget and is only received at the will of the city commissioners. I am not sure the public understands the small amount the Arts Commission really receives. I feel art can be inspiring, comforting and certainly food for the spirit.

I will attest to my own personal experiences of how uplifting art can be. When both my father and mother were close to death, my sister and I visited the art museum and viewed many artworks that related to life and death, and our grieving was lightened by the experience. Art is very often the expression of the artist’s soul and can touch the souls of others.

The small percent we do receive to support the arts also helps support artists in their endeavors. I will say artists very often need this support to sustain their personal needs of food and medicine at the same time sharing their talents with the community at large. They are paid a small stipend for their artwork, which adds to the community spirit.

I am saddened that this small amount of public funds is not appreciated by all in the community. It would be a dusty road without art in our lives. It is my inspiration and will remain so.

Elizabeth Hatchett,

Lawrence