Supporting young artists should go beyond recession

Sure, times are tough and there’s no money to spare, but I’d like to suggest one worthy cause for your consideration.

Swing by the Carnegie Center for the Arts between now and April 11 and take in the Student Art Exhibit. I think you’ll be favorably impressed by the work of area students.

Athletes get the roar of the crowd. Actors and musicians get the curtain call. Academic achievers get the good grades. Making art is mostly solitary work with the resulting piece being the reward.

You should consider purchasing the work of one of the talented artists exhibiting this month at Carnegie. Original artwork makes a great gift, and there’s always a chance that the piece you buy now might turn out to be the early work of a celebrated artist, but at the very least, you will provide positive affirmation to a young artist that goes way beyond the amount you paid for the piece. Chances are the student will spend their earnings on more art supplies. What could be a better investment?