It will no doubt come as a surprise to him that children's involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Both art and music -- whether passively or actively engaged in -- can improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork. Not to mention helping reduce high blood pressure!

As a recent returnee to Portland (after 20 years in southern California) I can personally attest that the abundance of art and music, artists and musicians, play a large part in the renowned neighborly ambiance, friendliness and indeed the livability of my beloved hometown.

Below is just one of a stupendous number of lovely public art displays on buildings, on sidewalks, everywhere. Here we even have artistic lime green bicycle racks and wide lime green painted bike lanes down, around and across oh-so-many streets!

Positively,
Carolan