Aha! Retreats

A Guide for Helping Artists

Printed Monday, November 21, 2001 in the Daily Commerce

submitted by California Lawyers for the Arts

As we begin the season for giving, and for giving thanks, let us remember to acknowledge the efforts of people in every walk of life who make this world a better place. One group of individuals whose contributions and positive influences have added to the quality of our lives are artists and creative people of all disciplines. With all due respect to those creative people who become widely known pop icons because they make or star in blockbuster movies, or because they sell millions of records, there are many other equally gifted artists whose contributions to our quality of life, if less obvious, are just as vital, but who are often overlooked by popular culture or the public en masse.

We recently received an email from a noted local jazz singer that included a written code developed as a practical guide and vital tool to helping artists and creative individuals. The Code to Helping Artists, originally created by The Info Line Magazine [now The Creative Line magazine] and its Artists Helping Artists network, is for use by anyone who recognizes the potential and power of art and artists to uplift society, to add beauty and spirit to the world, and to influence the direction of civilization in a positive way. We were struck by the Code’s poignancy, so we contacted The Info Line’s publisher and founder, Glenn Horton, to learn more about the magazine, the network, and their efforts in assisting artists and in educating the public about the importance of art and artists to our communities and in our lives.

With an asserted monthly readership of 20,000, the locally-based Info Line is distributed among artists, art students, art instructors, and other arts leaders at over 200 locations in the Los Angeles area, including schools, colleges, art institutions, libraries, coffeehouses, and bookstores. The Artists Helping Artists network was created to assist and empower artists as leaders and architects of a new civilization. (The Creative Line and Artists Helping Artists can be contacted at P0 Box 8323, La Crescenta, CA  91224, TheArtistsLine@cs.com 

The writer of the Email had this to say about The Code to Helping Artists; “It struck me dramatically when I first heard it recited!  I realized that it directly stated the purpose behind why I have embraced music and jazz aesthetics my whole life long. It gives the reason why I continue to promote, and continue to create situations where other artists can join in and create. I like situations where I win and everyone wins. I like creating good feelings. Many people have commented on my continuous actions over the years. I’m excited, because I finally found the reason I do this.  Very well stated!”

Mr. Horton granted us permission to reprint The Code to Helping Artists for the benefit of this newspapers’ readers:

1.             Look for, discover, and admire the highest qualities and most noble goals and aspirations of artists and creative individuals.

2.             Befriend and respect artists and any who share the creative spirit as talented and capable teammates in creative pursuits as well as life.

3.            Recognize and acknowledge the ef­forts of artists and further help rekindle the powerful dreams and purposes they trea­sure.

4.            Understand, herald, and energize artists as leaders and higher beings who are the dreamers and architects of a new civilization and a better future.

5.            Empower artists to create and develop stellar works of art that add beauty, insight. inspiration, and wisdom to the world, and embolden them to effectively promote and deliver those works to the public.

6.            Encourage and assist creative spirits to set a bright example for their fans, fellow artists, and fellow men, not only through their artistic work, but also the way they live their lives.

7.            Appreciate, respect, and delight in artists whose art inspires a higher culture and a more enlightened civilization, and who are successful in art, life, and service to others.

That just about says it all.  Happy Thanksgiving.