As a young girl, I dreamed of becoming a ballerina. For me, it was magical to see the dancers in their beautiful tutus turning en pointe.

Life obviously had other plans for me, but I think my childhood aspirations were the catalyst for my love of the arts.

There is no mistaking, dance will always be my first love, but I have also developed a deep appreciation for the many other forms of artistic expressions which I truly believe has helped me broaden my perception of life. I know without a doubt art has stirred my soul.

I cannot image living in a world where my eyes could not see a painting or my ears could not hear the sounds of a beautiful song.

I would simply go mad.

Fortunately, I do not have to worry about an artless existence, and to add to my comfort I also live in a community where artistic expression is embraced.

We have artists and art galleries, musicians who offer concerts, theaters with live performances and cinematic showings and of course dance instruction for those wanting to learn how to tour jete’ or waltz.

There have been numerous discussions and studies on the value of art for children, and for those of us living in the River City, we should be proud that along with all our community offerings our schools also offer classes in visual arts, band, theater and choir.

However, for us to continue with the richness our community offers, we must support as best we can all of Vicksburg’s artistic assets.

This week I received a letter from Randy Jolly, the president of the Vicksburg Art Association, and it was his letter which initiated this column.

He writes, “By becoming a member of the VAA, you are directly contributing to the exciting exhibitions and programming we provide. As part of the organization you are uniquely positioned to help us carry out a dual mission of promoting the value of art as a tool to promote our community as well as provide education, programming, exhibition content and outreach programs that promote social change through art and culture.”

Jolly’s letter made me realize that I want and need to be a part of Vicksburg’s efforts in continuing to grow our city’s arts community and help make our town a place where artisans can gravitate and where artistic expression flourishes.

I know I have sometimes taken for granted all that Vicksburg has to offer while knowing that if I choose not to support the arts fervently, the arts in Vicksburg could fade away.

I could say, “But it is impossible to join all the arts organizations in town, go to every theater performance offered or show up to all the musical concerts.” How lucky! Living here in Vicksburg presents such a challenge!

OK, so I may have to make choices. Isn’t it lovely to have so many options? How awesome is that for a town our size!

I may not have become a dancer for “Swan Lake.” I can live with that, but I could not live with a Vicksburg absent of all its talented artists and avenues for them to express it.

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Terri Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.