Art is not a necessity nor does it provide for our basic existence. It does, however, advance society and we’ve come to understand the importance and privilege of living a life beyond simply existing.

Modern society encourages creativity and delves deeper into our ability to engage one another beyond the spoken word. Many feel art is the oldest form of communication. When we meet someone who doesn’t speak our language, we gesture, and what is a gesture but a form of performance art?

As we hurtle through life in this age of Snapchatting and Facebooking while having our groceries delivered, we’re becoming more and more disconnected from our fellow man/woman. Thinking beyond art’s proven economic benefit; I personally wish to engage creative, innovative thinkers who promote an aspect of life that enriches my soul.

We should definitely have a fountain sculpture, a 50-foot-tall, awe-inspiring, crystalline tribute to our town that will glow with the sun or internal lighting more than just 15 minutes on the hour.

Lois McGinn’s letter to the editor expresses her desire that FHCCA focus on our theater rather than “another fountain.” While I am the artist creating “Fountain of Light,” I’m also on the Board of the Fountain Hills Theater and will immediately look into Percent for Art monies in support of our theater. Thank you, Lois, for helping me realize this possibility and I hope you’ll consider the impact this sculpture will have.

Since no tax dollars fund our collection, art appreciators who wish to make a donation for “Fountain of Light” may contact FHCCA or pick up a donor form at the Community Center. See Fountain of Light on the “Commissions” page of brianschader.com.