Craftivism: help save the arts in PA!

We all know that we face an economic crisis teetering on the edge of disaster.

Perhaps that’s a bit melodramatic or, unfortunately, perhaps not. Our local, state, and national governments are taking drastic steps to reduce the amount of debt that we are forced incur. Certainly, important programs & funding will need to be cut. I understand that.

However, the Pennsylvania Senate just passed a bill eliminating all funding for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. And while I understand the need to tighten our collective belts, I believe that an organization that provides support to arts education furthers our ultimate goal.

…arts must be central to education…If we are to be raising strong, creative, independent, and emotionally-centered children, arts - of all kinds - must be central to their education.

The PCA also funds individual artists and local art organizations - perhaps you, one day! - which means it creates jobs. No, these jobs do not involve building bridges or repairing buildings but they are jobs which contribute greatly to the culture of our state. Cutting this funding will force capable, creative people to cease the work that fulfills them.

Luckily, the Pennsylvania House has introduced a bill to fund the PCA with $14 million. Please follow the instructions at the Citizens for the Arts alert center to learn how you can help ensure this bill passes and is approved by the Senate.

If you would like to spread the word on your own site, you can grab this code to post the “Save Arts Funding in PA Sign” above.

<a href="http://handmadeinpa.net/2009/05/help-save-the-arts-in-pa/" title="Help Save the Arts in PA!"><img src="http://www.handmadeinpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/savearts.png" alt="savearts" title="savearts" width="150" height="230" />

Tara Gentile is the editor of Handmade in PA.net (HiP). She is also a freelance writer, blogger, and social media consultant - when she's not being a full-time mom!

Patti Cilenti, Owner of SIMPLY S.O.T.A. 26 N. Main St. New Hope, PA. has published a Children's story / photojournal about moving to a new town. All of the sounds and wonder of exploring New Hope through a Child's eyes with full color and vibrant images. "What's That Noise?" can be found at Simply S.O.T.A. or by going to www.lulu.com and entering ID # 5846739

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joe Cilenti is the President of Giuseppe's Gravy, Inc.~ A hand crafted Marinara prepared with the finest ingredients. A family recipe passed down in Sicilian tradition for generations. GIUSEPPE'S Authentic Sicilian Gravy can be found where fine foods are sold. For more information, go to http://www.giuseppesgravy.com/

Links & Resources

COMMUNITY LINKS

www.newhopepa.com Provides information on local businesses and an area guide that includes a bus Schedule and area events.

www.newhopepennsylvania.com NewHopePennsylvania.com is a news and informational website for New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ. The site is updated monthly.

www.newhopechamber.com New Hope Chamber of Commerce official website - offering business listings, calendar of events, local activities, and general information for New Hope, PA.

www.newhoperailroad.com Vintage trains leave from New Hope, Pennsylvania, for trips through Bucks Count