Art has changed in many ways since the beginning of time, but it still serves the same benefits to society it always has. These benefits range from an appreciation of local culture, providing history and heritage, to creating positive attitudes.
One of the beauties of art is it surrounds us. Some art you don’t have to look that hard to see, while other art takes a keen eye to recognize. Moscow citizens are surrounded by art so there is always something to see.
Moscow is Idaho’s heart of arts, and for its citizens it can be easy to take advantage of opportunities this town provides.
Art is a bigger economic driver than people would think. Art draws money into downtown Moscow and benefits businesses that host artistic events.
Carol Price, one of the owners and manager of Book People of Moscow, understands that benefit. Price said when she holds an event at the store not only is she going to sell a lot of books, but One World Cafe will sell a lot drinks because they’re close to where the event is held.
Nicole Hindberg | Argonaut
“Every town has its own little special thing people come for,” Price said.
For Moscow, art is one of those special things people come for. Whether that be going to art galleries, open mic nights, performances at bars and coffee shops, readings and other forms of art in the community.
Third places are what Price calls galleries, bookstores, cafes and bars. These are places outside of people’s home and work. In these places, people can meet up, make plans, hang out, go on dates and partake in any other social gathering.
“Third places are where you can meet (people). It’s where you are a part of the community. (Such as) coffee shops, bars, bookstores, all those places not your house (and) not your work,” Price said. “That is where community happens, that is where community exists in these interactions, we have with each other in these kinds of places.”
Art doesn’t have just one form. Art can be physical or intangible. It can also be expressed through performing, cooking, brewing, designing and more.
“The more things that go on here, the more opportunities (there are) in surrounding communities. I know that as space becomes more expensive for things like performing arts, some of the things move to smaller communities,” Price said.
Though art may be sometimes overlooked, it has a lot of benefits for society. Art is not only a creative driver but is also an economic driver. It creates a sense of community and makes towns lively and vibrant. Moscow is many things, but it wouldn’t be the same without art.
“I really think that the Moscow motto of being the heart of the arts is so true. I’ve always felt that is true,” Price said. “I think when people are feeling like they are having a good experience culturally (or) aesthetically it helps people have a good feeling. People spend more money when they are enjoying themselves. All of those things contribute to Moscow being a vibrant place for people to be.”
Emily Pearce can be reached @[email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce.