My observation is that most planning initiatives rarely include artists at the table when it comes to downtown revitalization or economic development issues.  What would you like to say to civic leaders about the role of art?  What can artists bring to the table? 

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending two art events in here in Rapid.  The first was at the Fair Grounds helping to jury the West River Art Show.  This was a lot of fun seeing the area’s best high school students involvement in the visual arts.  They have guts and imagination, and their teachers help them with techniques and direction.  Many students were there along with local artists and the interaction was helpful to all. It is always tough to jury these things.The second was that evening at the home of Pat Roseland.  He invited artists whose work he had collected over the years.  He has an amazing collection of historical and contemporary work. There was food and local wine and lots of laughs as painters and patrons celebrated the wonder that is the art scene here in the Black Hills.  I appreciate it because it is not pretentious or cynical.  It comes from the heart.  I’m hoping the the students I met earlier will grow to be accomplished artists and have such nice collectors as Mr. Roseland to help them in their careers.