THE ART OF ALMQUIST

posted by James Reel

In the latest Tucson Weekly I offer the lowdown on Art Almquist, who is training actors and activists through the theater program at Tucson Magnet High School:

"I believe the human condition is something in constant need of examination and celebration," he says. "Art is something that can help you make sense of this crazy life. It's a tool for transformation; you get so wrapped up in it that it makes you able to understand something in your own life that used to be a mystery."

The full story lies here. While you’re at the site, check out the Mailbag section, which publishes the only really negative responses to my column about no longer subscribing to the Tucson Symphony. Unfortunately, both correspondents miss the point; the first is shocked that I would dare to express an opinion in a column, and both point to the Lord of the Rings concert as a successful attempt to bring in a younger audience—but the Lord of the Rings show was not a subscription concert, which was explicitly the subject of my column.

The first letter-writer, and one unpublished correspondent, have suggested that I be more supportive of the TSO in its time of need. But supporting mediocrity does not foster improvement, and I reject the notion that a mediocre arts organization is better than none at all. Whether the endeavor is arts, business or politics, if you’re going to do it, do it right, and if the present managers can’t, replace them.