I Resolve…to be Interrupted
Happy New Year! I think the year is new enough that this greeting is still in order. The young year has no doubt seen some resolutions made and more than a few already broken. I confess (in general) to being part of that crowd.
There is, however, one resolution that I am finding easy to keep, and that is to find at least one piece of beauty to interrupt my day, every day. Then I try to spend a few moments (or more, if time permits and inspiration strikes) thinking about it, looking at it, listening to it, writing about it, singing it, reciting it, whatever form of response is appropriate and possible and not disturbing to friends and family around the office or dinner table.
The sources of these interruptions are various and mostly obvious: The internet for visual art. Have you browsed the extraordinary resources of our great galleries at the Smithsonian or New York’s Metropolitan Museum or London’s Tate? A few minutes in the company of great artists, classical and contemporary, will interrupt your day in a most rewarding way. Better than scrolling X or Instagram, I promise!
How about the radio for music? Tune away from the all-news or talk-show format stations for a minute (though with the coaching carousel spinning in the NFL and college football, it’s hard to leave the sports channels if you are inclined that way) and pause on your favorite music station to really listen. I cook a leisurely weekend breakfast in our house to livestreams from three great sources: Wisconsin Public Radio (my home state, so I’m biased, but I think their classical programming is superior), WNCW out of Asheville, NC for bluegrass and folk, and WBGO from Newark, NJ for jazz. When a favorite piece (or a new discovery) catches my ear, I stop my chopping and draw near the speaker. It’s an interruption that sets breakfast back a minute or two, but sets my day up for success.
One more odd habit to confess in pursuit of interruptions: Picking up books at random (the computer is also a worthy substitute for this if it’s more convenient, but I like the feeling of a book in my hands). Reading a passage (silently or aloud, depending) and maybe, if it’s pleasing or challenging, reading it again. No one needs to know you’re doing this, but the value added to your day can be immeasurable.
Of course, the best kinds of interruptions are the ones we offer at the Hylton Center. Come by the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery right now and be inspired by the work of Prince William County students. Stop in for the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra concert (1/27) and get into the spirit of Mardi Gras (speaking of resolutions…). Let us help you stay resolved to add artistic interruptions to your daily life.
See you at the Hylton Center—and feel free to interrupt!
Rick Davis
Dean and Executive Director