Fifty years ago in the Observer, a notice appeared about the organization of an area art club. The contact person was a Morenci music teacher and the location of the first meeting was in Fayette.

The importance of local fine arts was being elevated in a cooperative effort between the two communities.

Now, in 2007, efforts are underway to establish an art gallery and work space in Fayette with the aim of drawing in artists from throughout the area, including this side of the state boundary.

 Fayette has had a long tradition of community arts programs based in the school and Opera House. Morenci might have had the same history if Stair Auditorium had been saved, but fine arts in the schools has remained a priority in board of education funding.

That’s important because studies have demonstrated over and over the importance of fine arts in the school system. A good arts program leads to benefits in academic areas, as well as improvements in attendance, teamwork and even a love for learning.

The importance of arts goes beyond the school and right into the community.

We think back to 2003 when we reported on the Kansas Sampler program—a guide to assessing elements of rural culture (www.kansassampler.org).

The assessment presents questions such as these: Do you have sculptures, murals or grassroots art? Do you have a performing center, coffeehouse, art gallery or art museum? Is there a place where you can see an area artist at work?

The establishment of a gallery and artists co-op would bring an affirmative answer to two of those questions. It would bolster what’s already available such as shows at the Opera House and at Stair Public Library.

Raising the awareness of fine arts and encouraging participation enriches life for the citizens of both Fayette and Morenci. We hope the gallery succeeds and encourages cooperative efforts between the two communities in promoting the fine arts.