From the Native Americans to the Mormon pioneers to 21st-century Utahns, the arts have been important in this state. As American urban studies theorist Richard Florida observed: "a community's aesthetic assets — its architecture and public spaces, its musical, theatrical, and artistic communities and institutions — are among its most priceless resources.."

Two recent events are cause for concern — the months-later scrutiny of a theater production of "Dead Man Walking" at Bingham High School and the eviction of the Central Utah Art Center in Ephraim.

The award-winning drama teacher at Bingham High expressed a genuinely educational perspective, observing that art evinces a wide range of responses. CUAC is respected locally and even internationally for presenting fine examples of contemporary art and offering arts education to Sanpete County students.

Art can be pleasing, moving, funny, challenging and thought-provoking. Let's exercise tolerance and acceptance, with the choice not to participate, but not the choice to destroy. Now is the time to thank everyone working in the arts for their contributions to our community.

Nancy Boskoff

Salt Lake City