Mecca of Creativity: The Longview Experience

MECCA OF CREATIVITY The Longview Experience

Mark Nesmith Artist in Residence

AS THE END OF SUMMER draws near I wanted to take a little time to reflect on my time in Longview, particularly my time spent working as LMFA’s Artist in Residence and overseeing the Summer Art Classes. It’s been a joy to witness and be part of the enthusiasm Longview displays for the arts.

WHAT YOU AS A COMMUNITY HAVE CREATED HERE IS INCREDIBLY SPECIAL. Understand that I’ve spent my lifetime actively engaged in the arts, from the big city of Dallas to the small town of Port Neches. I’ve shown artwork and performed as a musician throughout the US. I’ve been an educator for almost a quarter century now. I’m certified to teach art, music, and special education from early childhood through high school. At one time or another I’ve taught all these subjects and more. I started my education career in “Big D” Dallas. For the past ten years I’ve taught art, music, and even robotics at Port Neches Middle School in a little district in Southeast Texas. I’ve seen the big and the small, the good and the bad. I’m not blowing smoke when I describe what’s happening in Longview as exceptional.

THIS COMMUNITY HAS GROWN INTO A WONDERFUL MECCA OF CREATIVITY in East Texas, and it shows not just in the museum but throughout your wonderful city. I see the results of your emphasis and encouragement of the arts every time I stroll down Tyler Street and strike up a conversation with strangers as I enjoy an Americano at Silver Grizzly Expresso. I see it in the wonderfully unique “niche” shops, boutiques, and restaurants thriving throughout the city. From the turnout at Artwalk Longview to the Great Texas Balloon Race, the artistic flair displayed throughout Longview is wonderful. It’s also a big indicator of the success and involvement of the arts community here. In our modern age cities increasingly look like cookie cutter re-makes filled with the same, generic chain stores.

LONGVIEW HAS DEVELOPED A UNIQUE PERSONA THAT HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE IMPRESSION ON THIS NATIVE TEXAN. I look forward to seeing the continuing growth of the LMFA and the arts in Longview and am honored you invited me to be a small part of it. Keep doing what you are doing, and Longview will continue to thrive.

THE ARTS ARE INDEED ALIVE AND WELL IN LONGVIEW! It has been amazing to see so many people of all ages at LMFA events this summer. I will leave Longview with a touch of sadness at the end of the summer, but I will look forward to coming back to visit again and again. Continue your incredible support of the LMFA and arts education here. Continue to grow and strive to learn and improve and Longview will continue to grow and thrive long into the future.