The arts activate the imagination. Imagination gives math and science direction; science and math are worthless without imagination. Albert Einstein used his imagination to come up with his theory of relativity; his thought experiments are as famous as his theories.

The arts define who we are. Our culture and ethnic backgrounds are ingrained in us though the arts. Like it or not, our art helps us to understand who we are, and to be the best we can be. The arts help us reach out and touch ourselves, and each other.

The arts help us to communicate. Poems, music and dance say more than just pure words. The arts give us a voice. The arts give the mute a voice, sight to the blind and sound to the deaf. The arts give us a way to express ourselves. The arts are the light and sound in that dark, silent room we call our psyche.

The arts help us enjoy life. We don’t work just to work; we need the arts to unwind. The arts even help us to enjoy work, and if we don’t enjoy our work, the arts help us to enjoy our off time without the use of drugs and alcohol. The arts make life worth living.

This community needs the arts and the arts center. Help us keep the Great Falls Arts Center, either in the old building or in a new and vibrant building.

Daniel C. Relph, Lewiston