jerseymurmurs

“Artists showcase the range of life’s emotions — the loftiest heights of joy and the depths of grievous despair. They hold a mirror up to the world — reflecting who we are and echoing our stories. The work of artists doesn’t always make us feel comfortable, but it sheds light on the truth. Much like our democracy itself, artistic expression must be nurtured, fostered, prioritized, and protected. It is not a passive endeavor; indeed, there is no clearer sign of American democracy at work than our artists...” — Deborah Rutter, in a statement Wednesday [rump fired Rutter as president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — the national cultural center of the United States located on the eastern bank of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. — and arranged for himself to be appointed chairman] ♦ the background “mural” on graph paper was an experiment in making an art deco design ♦