A plus for downtown

Published Monday, October 10, 2000, in the Herald-Leader

A plus for downtown 

I would like to congratulate Minds Wide Open art center on its move to 139 West Short Street. Downtown is a significant part of our community, and I am pleased to see a commitment to continue to participate in and support downtown Lexington.

One of the wonderful things about a city is that it is diverse. By means of its diversity, a city communicates to an individual the message that there are many possibilities for one's life. American architect Louis Kahn called this aspect of urbanity "the forum of availabilities." The art center's presence downtown is a vital contribution to creating and maintaining this forum.

Beyond its contribution to the city as a whole, the value that Minds Wide Open provides its participants cannot be stressed enough. As the artists, many considered to have a disability, create, they gain a sense of accomplishment, which serves to build a positive self-image. In turn, their self-confidence and self-esteem are strengthened and their quality of life is improved. Every life has value and should have the opportunity to develop to its full potential.