Art is the Most Powerful Weapon Against Fear & Uncertainty

Where do we start? We start right here, right now. Drag that left foot forward. Don’t forget the right one, yeah, that’s it! Get out on the right foot!

We all took a hit and fell out for a minute. While it may not be feasible for everyone, some of us are standing back up, ready to do whatever it takes to get back on track. No matter where the debate stands, the Downtown Historic River District remains silent no more. 

I sit reminiscing on the many humps (marches, for you civilians) of which I was a part back in the day. And the thing that stands out most in my mind was the fact that putting one foot out in front of the last may very well be the single act that will save your life. Mobility forward meant survival. Yes, it hurts. It always hurts, but as a Devil Doc, I would never have actually admitted that. (Feel free to Google the definition of a Devil Doc if you wish.) Forward movement is essential nonetheless. Keep walking through the fire they say. Trial by fire they say. Who are those “they’s” anyway? And how did they get to decide what’s what? It’s quite simply, due to empirical laws. They have been there, done that. They know what’s up. And you gotta trust that. 

One of the best ways to succeed, I have learned, is to keep the mission clear and in the forefront of my mind. This constant focus moves the mind forward and off of obstacles that notoriously arise in the face of zero hour. Gunny used to say to me, “It’s mind over matter, Doc. If you don’t mind… it don’t matter”. That saying always struck me right in the observer and kicked my brain into forward gear. Which is precisely where I needed to be in order to keep my Marines safe.

Now years later, I serve in a different position. Stationed inside an air conditioned and comfortable office in one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. Rather than sitting in some hole in the ground, I am so full of appreciation to sit in a chair that was actually engineered for the back side of a human being. Never again will I have to shake the sand out of my chonies! Unless of course, I visit Fort Myers Beach. And for that, I’m good to go.

I digress. My point is, yet again, it is part of my job to help keep my people safe. Once more working with my team and relying on government protocols to do just that. And as always, I intend to do it well. This time by steadfastly researching and implementing vigorous precautions such as taking advantage of PPE gear, maintaining social distancing, and constant disinfecting throughout the building. So it is my hope that you will come and join us for our reopening on Friday, June 5th and feel safe here in the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. 

Art is the most powerful weapon against fear and uncertainty. Especially in times of crisis, artistic expression has provided comfort and solace to many people. This crisis, as challenging and as disruptive as it is, will eventually pass. When it does, and as it unfolds, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center will be here not only protecting the people we hold dear but also their need for a place of open access to the arts for all. That is our mission. It has not changed. And we need your continued support to do so. 

(Title borrowed from front banner project)

Rebel Lilly

~A lover of lesser used words, critters of every order, and coffee. She is the girl that prefers her flowers uncut, her sunshine unbroken by clouds, and her toes in the sand.  

•All statements made in this blog are my opinion and my thoughts alone. Statements on this blog and webpage are not to be taken as medical advice in any manner. I base my writings on my personal experiences and on my own inquiry. It is highly suggested readers complete their own research and consult a medical professional before implementing any guidance offered here.