When asked why the arts experiences are important within the context of an arts festival...”I feel it's critical, especially at this moment in our society's development, to not only expose people both young and old to the arts in a personal way, but in so doing to establish some level of personal connection with that creative force within each of us, because it is through our unique creative abilities that we are able to truly contribute, individually and collectively, to the positive development of our individual lives and to society and the manner in which our society interacts and contributes to the global community. The artistic process is, by definition, a qualitative process which, combined with our human capacity for quantitative problem-solving, makes us whole and capable of discernment at a level not possible in the absence of one or the other. It is the combination and development of these two critical components of the human animal which determine whether our life decisions bear fruit or die on the vine. We don't have to look far at all to see the results of problem-solving accomplished without the benefit of that qualitative, or creative, element. It's a lot like watching a losing team continue on a losing streak by making the same mistakes over and over again.”
Paul McCoy, Professor of Ceramics, Baylor University.