The Arts: An Integral Part of EEC!

 

Art and music are often considered to be universal languages. Artists share their anger, peace, joy, and sorrow. Art allows us to see the world through the eyes of the artist, and allows others to see the world through our eyes when we create. For many people, creative work is relaxing and helps one to cope with the pressures in their lives. Likewise, music can raise our mood, reduce our stress, get us excited, or calm us down. Some think one of music’s major functions is its ability to create social connectedness.

Why not resolve to incorporate the arts into your chapter meetings! Here are a few suggestions:

• Plan a chapter outing to a local museum or musical/theater production.
• Ask a member or a small group to share a musical blessing through song.
• Have a member play a number or two with the instrument of their choice.
• Contact a music teacher at a local school to see if a choral group could perform at a meeting.
• Liven things up with a sing-along on a couple of songs at one of your chapter meetings.
  Many talented musicians can re-write the words to a familiar tune to bring in the DKG connection.
• Let members display their vocal talent by performing a song or two.
• If your group sings the DKG song, spice it up by adding musical accompaniment. My chapter has a member play the accordion as we sing! And we traditionally sing Christmas carols with the accompanying accordion!
• Do a craft project as a service project. One chapter participated in their community’s Valentines for Veterans project. The handmade cards were delivered to area veteran hospitals and some were even mailed to those who were currently serving overseas.
• Arrange for a member or members to display their artwork at chapter meetings. This can include paintings, sculpture, jewelry, needlework, photography, and much more!
  If your chapter has several talented artists, you might plan to have a few members exhibit their work at each meeting. Perhaps you’d like to focus on a particular medium each time.
• Contact a local art teacher re: displaying student work.
• Investigate a chapter outing to an art studio. Many studios now host art parties where they provide the art supplies and step-by-step instructions while you try your artistic talents and celebrate being with friends.