The Hampton Years: The Power of Art - Thoughts from VSC's Interim Artistic Director Patrick Mullins

Being partnered to someone who also makes his living in the arts, art is a common topic of discussion at our house. A discussion that often leads to more questions than answers.
 
What is art? Who gets to make it? Who determines what it is worth? Who pays for it? Should it be free? Who decides what is art? Who decides what is “good art?” Should art really be for everyone? When it saturates the mainstream, is it still art, or has it become commercialism? If it has an obvious agenda, is it still art? CAN ART REALLY CHANGE THE WORLD???
 
So. Many. Questions.
 
When Chris presented Jacqueline Lawton’s play for consideration for the season, I was excited by the opportunity to explore these questions further, as well as an opportunity to learn a little about these incredible painters, sculptors, and educators who had spent time in Hampton Roads.
 
If you have never been to the Hampton Museum, please do yourself the favor of visiting their extensive collection on the gorgeous Hampton University campus. It truly is a “do not miss” in Hampton Roads and their extensive collection includes work from all of the artists featured in the play.

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