First, I want to thank The Chronicle for letters to the editor. It allows a divergence of opinion, which can be a healthy thing.
Once again, my topic is the arts in our educational system. Here, that focus would be Centralia College. To me, the arts show the good, creative aspect of everyday life. It touches us all in an ever-encompassing way yet it is taken so lightly and often for granted.
The arts have been my life for over a half century. Forty-seven of those have been as a full time professional. During this time, I have been a commercial artist (illustrator), a fine arts painter, a very serious potter and a fulltime sculptor. Five years were spent at Wenatchee Valley College as a 3-D art instructor. I bring these things up to add credence to what I say here.
Recently, I received the new Centralia College review listing various basic art offerings — nothing specific as to content. For those interested, it might be wise to check out the facilities. Art is often taught in areas not designed for it. I have often had to teach classes in old houses, dark basements and cold warehouses, for example.
Right now, Centralia College has no fine arts facility or a building specific to it. Years ago, the college had such a facility, but it was demolished with no intention of replacement. Apparently it was a very low priority? Even now, there isn’t a 3-D art area for teaching pottery or sculpture.
It might be of interest to note that the college was offered one of the finest, more efficient and safest non-ferrous casting systems in the country. This was of no interest as it would require a department of facility to house it.
How sad for those interested and for future academic growth in this area.
James Stafford
Chehalis
