loving art, science and creative kids
5/31/2025 11:12:02 AM
Why Art Matters
As Washington continues to defund the arts, you might find yourself asking: Why not? Last year, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) distributed nearly $36.9 million through 1,474 grants across the country. In addition, funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was severely slashed in an effort to dismantle the agency altogether.
These cuts may seem negligible, just 0.0046% of the federal budget, but the stakes are high. Museums alone contribute over $50 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Under the current administration, sweeping proposals are aimed at eliminating the NEA, NEH, and IMLS entirely. As a result, thousands of grants that supported research, theaters, arts and science education, museums, artists, conservation, community programs, and jobs have vanished. So, who cares?
I do.
I spent more than twenty-five years running museums, and I've seen firsthand how the arts enrich lives and communities. As the American Alliance of Museums puts it: "Museums are vital community anchors serving all Americans. Museums are not only centers for education and inspiration but also economic engines creating jobs, driving tourism, and strengthening local economies."
But beyond the economics, the arts are essential to our humanity. They foster creativity, empathy, and beauty. They bring people together, enhance our mental well-being, and create career opportunities for millions. In fact, the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $1.1 trillion industry that supports 5.2 million jobs, 4.3% of the U.S. economy. Arts organizations drive local business revenue, unify neighborhoods, and offer a powerful antidote to stress and isolation.
Students who participate in the arts earn higher GPAs and standardized test scores, and they receive a more well-rounded education. Creativity and innovation-skills, highly sought after in today's workforce, are nurtured through the arts. According to Americans for the Arts, a University of Pennsylvania study found that cities with a high concentration of arts organizations experience greater civic engagement, stronger social cohesion, better child welfare, and lower poverty rates. Healthcare providers increasingly recognize the healing power of the arts in patient care. Personally, I've found solace in painting.
I began during one of the most stressful periods of my career, relocating the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Painting offered a meditative escape and helped me stay clear-headed and focused as a leader. Working in museums has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I've watched children explore alongside their parents, couples share inspiration on a date, and seniors enrich their twilight years with curiosity and connection.
These moments are not luxuries. They are vital to a meaningful life. The arts are not a frill. They are a foundation for a vibrant, resilient, and compassionate society. Contact your congressional delegation to see that arts and humanities remain funded. I look forward to your comments below.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Art is always for sale. Cypress Tree is an acrylic on canvas framed painting, 30" by 24" It can be purchased online at https://www.eichingerfineart.com/workszoom/4119523/dont-drain-the-swamp-cypress-tree#/ For further information, contact me at [email protected]
____________________________________________________________________________________________
References:
arts.gov website,( 2025_National Endowment for the Arts Supports the Arts with Nearly $36.8 Million in Funding Nationwide. Retrieved from https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2025/national-endowment-arts-supports-arts-nearly-368-million-funding-nationwide
Art News website (2025) trump Administration Threatens Extreme Cuts to the National Endowment for the arts and the Humanities. Retrieved from https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/trump-administration-threatens-extreme-cuts-to-the-national-endowment-for-the-humanities-1234737588/
Art website (2025) What Trump's dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services means for US art. Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/art/donald-trump-dismantling-institute-museum-library-services-us-art-culture-03-20-2025/
Veltman, C.(2025) Sweeping suits hit NEA after Trump administration call to eliminate the agency.NPR Website. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2025/05/03/nx-s1-5385888/sweeping-cuts-hit-nea-after-trump-administration-calls-to-eliminate-the-agency
Website (2025) Top 10 Reasons to support the Arts. Americans for the Arts. Retrieved from https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/advancing-arts-locally/top-10-reasons-to-support-the-arts
5/23/2025 8:24:49 PM
Three Men Dancing
Perseverance: The Power to Keep Going
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
Whenever I was asked about founding the Impression 5 Museum in Michigan or building the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, the first question was always the same: “What’s the secret to your success?” My answer never changed—passion and perseverance. Passion for engaging children through interactive learning. And perseverance when others told me it couldn’t be done.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
Through the years, I’ve spoken with countless entrepreneurs, scientists, writers, leaders, and parents. Each of them—despite different paths—has emphasized one common trait: perseverance. They kept learning, stayed flexible through challenges, and never gave up. Their determination was rooted in optimism—a belief that the future holds promise.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller
Success is rarely smooth. The road is filled with potholes—setbacks, failures, rejection. Nine out of ten startups don’t make it. But those who succeed don’t let failure stop them. They adapt, learn, and keep going. They see adversity not as the end, but as a puzzle to solve.
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.” – Norman Vincent Peale
Confidence and hope often begin at home. Parents are a child’s first role models. When they demonstrate how to persevere through difficulty, they’re teaching resilience. When they support a child who’s bullied, struggling, or afraid, they help shape a future adult who believes in themselves. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring challenges—it means believing they can be overcome.
“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” – Jordan Belfort
Not everyone grows up in a nurturing home. But the good news is, perseverance and optimism can be learned. It starts with a simple shift: the willingness to try. And if that try fails, the determination to try again. Psychologist Lewis Lee found that optimists sleep better, have fewer strokes, and live longer than pessimists. Why? Because optimism builds resilience.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Changing your mindset isn’t always easy—but it’s possible. One of my early counseling clients was taught to snap a rubber band on his wrist whenever he caught himself thinking negatively. That small gesture became a powerful tool for awareness and change. Lee also suggests journaling—set goals, track your thoughts, and write down what you’re grateful for. Reflect on the best version of yourself. Recognize when negativity creeps in, and learn to see it as temporary—not permanent. Just like going to the gym strengthens your body, these mental exercises can rewire your brain.
Like many, I sometimes feel disheartened by today’s world. The kindness, decency, and open conversations I grew up with feel harder to come by. Too many are afraid to speak the truth. And yet—I remain hopeful. I believe that beneath the noise and fear, most people are still good. They care. And when the time comes, they’ll do what’s right.
Because they, too, have the power to persevere.
Please share your thought below.
Resources:
White. P. (2007) The Role of Perseverance in Success: Appreciation at Work Retrieved from https://www.appreciationatwork.com/blog/the-role-of-perseverance-in-success/?
Landowski,A. (2023) The Importance of Perservance & Optimism in Business. Ceo-review.Retrieved from https://www.ceo-review.com/the-importance-of-perseverance-optimism-in-business
Perton, V. ( wow5) Perseverance is Underpinned by Optimism. Optimism. Retrieved from www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/perseverance-is-underpinned-by-optimism
____________________________________________
I have a passion for writing, but find marketing my books less enjoyable. However, writing is pointless if the books remain unread. Therefore, I continue to persevere, hoping my words will resonate with someone.
The Water Factor is a Firebird International Award winner for best dystopian novel and a Literary Titan recipient for best thriller. Although enjoyable to read, it carries a severe message about water scarcity. It is available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. It can be purchased on AMAZON, Barnes & Noble, and as an audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Ask your bookstore to order a copy from Ingram Sparks.
5/16/2025 6:07:53 PM
As I move through the routines of daily life, it’s easy to forget just how fragile our existence is. But this past week, flat on my back with the flu—feeling like I'd been hit by a Mack truck—I had no choice but to pause. One day I was bustling around town; the next, I was wrapped in a feverish cocoon, shivering under layers of blankets. With only so many years ahead, I resent losing any to coughing fits and tissues.
And yet, that forced stillness gave me something precious: time to reflect. Years ago, cancer reminded me of life’s impermanence. That experience taught me that every hour—every breath—is a gift. Time isn’t just something to fill; it’s something to honor. Why we’re here and what gives life meaning are questions that have preoccupied philosophers, poets, and prophets for millennia.
Now, in the later chapters of my life, I’ve settled into a personal philosophy that brings me a quiet kind of peace. I've come to believe there may be no grand, rational reason for my existence—and oddly, that realization has set me free. Without a predetermined script, I’m free to write my own story. And looking back, I see my life as a tapestry of stories—intertwined, unique, and shaped by every choice I’ve made.
Writing and painting are the tools used to express my desire to live. They’ve accompanied me on the journey to provide meaning for my existence.
These stories—yours and mine—extend beyond ourselves. They ripple outward through our families, communities, and the world. They are invisible brushstrokes painting the future in ways we may never see but that deeply influence. Through art, conversation, and kindness, we shape the world more than we know.
Ultimately, I believe a meaningful life is built on compassion, love, and the unwavering conviction that we can evolve into our best selves. That’s what makes life not just bearable, but beautiful.
________________________________________________________________________
Building Bridges
Building bridges between our divisions,
I reach out to you, won't you reach out to me?
With all our voices and all our visions,
Friends, we can make such sweet harmony.
(From Greenham Common Peace Occupation1: 1981 protest to challenge the decision to site 96 Cruise Nuclear missles in Berkshire England.)
_________________________________________________________________________
Mystery is a 19" by 24" framed acrylic on canvas painting. Available for $685 o framed and delivered free in the Continental U.S. Purchase online at MYSTERY or contact me with your best offer at [email protected].
I look forward to your thoughts about life’s meaning. please comment below.
_________________________________________________________________________
Over the Peanut Fence is a collection of stories showing how homeless and runaway youth navigate life on the streets. The tales encompass compassionate individuals who have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of troubled youth. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powell's Books
5/10/2025 6:23:56 PM
FAMILY IN A TURKISH VILLAGE
A War of Ideologies
The President talks about making America strong again. For him, that seems to mean stripping support from the poor and redirecting it to the military. His latest display of strength? A massive military parade is scheduled for June 14-his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
According to the Associated Press, the parade will feature 6,600 soldiers from 11 corps and divisions across the country, 140 military vehicles, and 50 helicopters. The message is clear: Don't mess with us. The day-long spectacle on the National Mall features parachute jumps and culminates in a fireworks display. The price tag? A staggering $94 million.
This show of force coincides with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency slashing government-sponsored programs and personnel. Thousands of jobs have already been cut, including civilian positions in the Department of Defense. If the proposed 2025-26 budget passes, millions more will face food insecurity and homelessness.
My head spins and my stomach turns when I hear politicians claim that military might keeps us safe rather than compassion and compromise. Throughout history, dictators have employed a similar tactic: inventing enemies to justify their power. The military-industrial complex thrives in times like this. Unfortunately, more weapons lead to destruction rather than peace.
Why taunt peaceful neighbors like Canada, Mexico, and even Greenland with threats of a takeover? Yes, they have valuable natural resources, which is why there is trade. Why rename the Gulf of Mexico or the Persian Gulf if you don't want to start a fight? It is mean and disrespectful. Why impose erratic tariffs that hurt everyday Americans so billionaires can profit from the chaos? Is this really what makes America great?
It's not military power that draws people to this country. It's the promise of freedom, opportunity, and acceptance. Our strength lies in our values: the Bill of Rights, the right to vote, and freedom of the press. America has always been a tapestry of cultures, stronger when united than when divided. We are a nation built on compassion that welcomed the tired and the poor.
If we truly believe in the ideals that founded this nation, we must live by them and defend them. We must stand up to those who would undermine democracy in favor of oligarchy. Our founding principles are worth fighting for.
So keep the faith and don't be afraid. Join with others who believe in the rule of law. It's what makes America great. This is not a time to sit back. Step forward and fight to retain our freedoms. We don't need a military parade to remind us that real power lies with We the People.
Please share your comments below. What are you doing to save democracy? Are you concerned? Let's have a civil discussion.
Family in a Turkish Village is a framed 24" by 48" acyrlic painting on canvas available for $795 shipped free in the continental U.S. Purchase painting at https://www.eichingerfineart.com/workszoom/1546585#/
Contact me with questions at [email protected]
References
PBS News, (2025): Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/army-confirms-military-parade-for-its-250th-anniversary-will-be-held-on-trumps-birthday
______________________________________________________________
The Water Factor is a corporate crime thriller giving insight into how scrupulous people acquire power. The Rightfully Mine Series is written to inform, change minds, and inspire people to activism. Access to clean water cuts to the core of democracy. It is weaponized, pilfered, polluted, traded, and sold at astronomical prices that poor people can't afford. Water should be considered a human right, not a commodity. A Firebird International Award winner for best dystopian novel and a Literary Titan recipient for best thriller. Though fun to read, it carries a severe message about water scarcity. It is available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. It can be purchased on AMAZON, Barnes and Noble, and as an audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Ask your bookstore to order a copy from Ingram. Please leave a review on Amazon after reading. Purchase while you can and invite me to Zoom into your book club discussion.
5/3/2025 12:48:37 PM
THREE SUNS
Painted to show the devastation caused by global warming in the hope that society will curb itsuse of carbon-producing products.
The Transformative Power of Art in a Fractured World
"Numerous scientific works have established that human connections to natural environments stimulate curiosity and foster flexibility and imagination. The spark of purpose—the feeling that we are meant to add to the total of humanity—has been called many things, but none more appropriate than creativity. Our drive to create makes the human species unique and unparalleled in all of nature. We are born with an impulse to bring something into existence that wasn’t there before."
Years ago, I copied this quote without noting the author. Still, the sentiment has stayed with me—it speaks directly to my soul. I, too, feel the deep inspiration that nature offers, a pull toward creativity that finds form in painting and writing. In times of increasing ecological crisis and political distraction, creativity becomes more than self-expression—it becomes a lifeline.
Now, more than ever, art must come to the forefront. In moments of upheaval, fine artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers become not just storytellers, but truth-tellers. Art speaks for those who are silenced. It transcends language, culture, and geography. It can express grief, joy, and the deep emotional undercurrents that often lie hidden beneath the surface of daily life.
Writers, in particular, are uniquely positioned to shift paradigms. They pose difficult questions and offer new ways of seeing the world. During dark times, they illuminate paths forward. Consider Mark Twain, whose The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn challenged the racial and moral conscience of 19th-century America. Or Dostoyevsky, whose Crime and Punishment delved into the psychological complexity of guilt and redemption. Charles Dickens exposed the injustices of Victorian England’s slums. George Orwell foresaw the perils of totalitarianism. The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley, reshaped how many view race, identity, and justice in America. More recently, The Kite Runner brought the struggles of Afghanistan’s people into global consciousness.
The same power extends to other art forms. Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, painted in response to the bombing of a Spanish town, became a searing symbol of anti-war sentiment. Contemporary Chinese artist Ai Weiwei uses his work to challenge government oppression and advocate for human rights. Television, too, can serve as a powerful platform: Orange Is the New Black brought attention to the realities of mass incarceration and marginalized women in America.
Musicians have long played a pivotal role in protest and progress. From the folk songs of Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez to Bob Dylan's anthems of change, music has helped shape the course of history. The legacy continues today with songs like “Put the Gun Down” by Indonesian heavy metal trio Voice of Baceprot, “Tariffic” by Jesse Welles—an indictment of economic policy—and “Post American” by Dead Pioneers, which protests the whitewashing of Indigenous history. And still, “We Shall Overcome” remains a timeless anthem for civil rights.
In his book Biophilia, Edward O. Wilson described the innate human tendency to focus on life and living systems. His work on biodiversity, extinction, and ecological interdependence has helped many around the world better understand the fragile balance of our environment. By the end of his life in 2021, Wilson called for a new Enlightenment—one that reunites science and the humanities to heal our fractured world.
Art is that bridge. It affirms our humanity, expands our awareness, and awakens the courage to envision change. Where injustice, inequality, and environmental devastation persist, art is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It’s time for creators of all kinds to rise, using their voices, brushes, instruments, and cameras to challenge the status quo and help shape a better future.
GUERNICA BY PABLO PICASSO
Resources:
Website(2022) E.O.Wlson, Biodiversity Foundation. Retrieved from https://eowilsonfoundation.org/about-us/e-o-wilson/
Fortune, JK. (2020) In the darkest of times, Art is not an indulgence. https://janfortune.medium.com/in-the-darkest-of-times-art-is-not-an-indulgence-1bd01e687546
Website, (2025) Top 10 Writers that Changed the World. Digital Book.io. Retrieved from https://www.digitalbook.io/blog/top-10-influential-writers-that-changed-the-world/
Down, L. (025) . Artists as Agents of Social Change Past and Present. Arts, Artists, Artwork. Retrieved from https://artsartistsartwork.com/artists-as-agents-of-social-change-past-and-present/
The Ongoing History of Protest Music. 50 Best Protest songs of 2024Retrieved from https://www.ongoinghistoryofprotestsongs.com/2024/01/05/50-best-protest-songs-of-2023/
Kirsch, S. (2025) Unveiling the Power of Art to Create Social Change. Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative Social Impact Review. Retrieved from https://www.sir.advancedleadership.harvard.edu/articles/unveiling-power-of-art-create-social-change
I look forward to hearing from you in the comment section below.
Art is always for sale. Three Suns is an acrylic on canvas 36” x 24” painting, available for $685 shipped free within the continental United States. Purchase online at https://www.eichingerfineart.com/workszoom/1656739/three-suns#/or contact me at [email protected] with questions.
---------------------------------------
The Rightfully Mine Series was written to inform, change minds, and inspire people to activism. Access to clean water cuts to the core of democracy. It is being weaponized, pilfered, polluted, traded, and sold at astronomical prices that poor people can't afford. Water should be considered a human right and not a commodity.
The Water Factor is a Firebird International Award winner for best dystopian novel and a Literary Titan recipient for best thriller. Though fun to read, it carries a severe message about water scarcity. It is available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. It can be purchased on AMAZON, Barnes and Noble, and as an audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Ask your bookstore to order a copy from Ingram. Please leave a review on Amazon after reading. Purchase while you can and invite me to Zoom into your book club discussion.
