There is nothing like experiencing art to feed perspective, reflection, and balance as an antidote to the assault of mass culture.  As you encounter art, think about the artists behind the work and the courage required to express fresh ideas. Your participation in the arts makes the work of individual artists possible. 

Top ten ways to take part in the arts: 

	Actively Seek Out Art Experiences—Keep abreast of cultural happenings. Online or in print, read the arts section of your local newspaper to find out what is available around you and what is headed your way. Reading will connect you with the conversation about the arts.
	Go—Attend your local museum, theater, concerts, poetry readings, dance performances, craft fairs, or the movies.
	Join—When you visit museums or theater, check out opportunities to become a member or volunteer. Whole new worlds open up when you join an organization.
	Share the Love—Take kids to performances, plays, and art-making workshops. Giving children the experience of art at an early age is key to creating new generations of art lovers and supporters. Exposure to the arts develops independent-thinking and civically-engaged individuals.
	Stop—Take a moment everyday to appreciate the power of art and design around you. Reflect upon the fact that behind the books, buildings and objects you love is the effort of a talented individual.
	Read—poetry or prose. To live the life you may want to lead or experience the unknown.
	Listen to Music—Millions of iPods can’t be wrong. Something is working here.
	Listen to Yourself—Some of us pursue the path of an artist by going to art school. Most of us don’t. But, when you participate in art, it connects you to that part of yourself that makes the creative choices in your life.
	Take an Art Class—Creative writing, painting, filmmaking, crafts, dance, design—with a little searching you can find classes offered in a discipline that interest you. Try community colleges, university extensions, community centers, or art schools. You may be both amazed and challenged by what you can do and what it takes to create art. But you won’t know until you try.
	Get to Know the Artists Behind the Art—Gallery openings are a good way to meet and participate with artists. Readings at local bookstores and libraries provide a chance to ask authors about their lives and work. You may even follow lectures by and on artists at your local college.