One of the challenges of living in rural America is the lack of arts education. The schools are smaller, and usually don’t have the funding to offer much in the way of art classes, music or theater. Even so, there are some grassroots organizations who are dedicated to offering free art education in rural America. They are often created by urban residents who move to the country and recognize the lack of creative outlets for children and adults. Rural Americans are no less creative than urban dwellers. They just live too far from city resources to take full advantage of them.
Sometimes a vibrant rural arts scene will be present in a particular community because a significant artist will move there and call it home. A great example is Marfa, Texas. It is literally in the middle of nowhere, but Donald Judd moved there and sparked an artistic movement that is thriving today. Not only is this little desert town known for it’s visual arts, but it hosts a lively community of musicians and writers. It is like an oasis in an area that once couldn’t even offer a guaranteed education after the sixth grade.
Another wonderful example of a rural arts community is Berea, Kentucky. This community is centered around a small liberal arts college that helps underprivileged kids get a well rounded education. For the tourist, the Berea arts fairs and shops are as delightful as those one would find in any city. A dedicated group of art lovers and supporters can really create a significant arts community anywhere they want to. If they are committed, the community will become involved, appreciative and supportive of this concept that deeply improves the quality of life in their town.