Rising above Mediocrity

Yesterday, I met a young architect in the city, who is trying to determine the zeitgeist of NEO.

I am not sure that I can help him at all with his quest--but the timing of today's article in the Plain Dealer did take my breath away. 

I know some of the artists quoted in the article--not all of them very well, but I do know all by reputation.  And, in the article Julian Stanczak sums it up best: [1]

After a life marked by forced displacement and separations, starting when he was taken from his Polish village at the age of 11 and imprisoned in a Soviet labor camp in Siberia, Stanczak had decided to make Cleveland his home. But he did not yet feel at home.

"I was a withdrawn and shy individual by nature," he said. "Artists are social rejects, many times, but this prize made a place -- Cleveland -- a warm home of acceptance. I was deeply touched."

Why stay in Cleveland? 

Because, you may get recognized, welcomed, and appreciated for your artistic contributions. 

NEO does rise above mediocrity and does achieve the elusive--ART. 

We just have to remember to SEE ART, recognize ART, welcome ART, appreciate ART, SUPPORT ART! Do not bury it.