How Quickly Good is Forgotten
How quickly good is forgotten when placed in the hands of those who care only about themselves. Ten years ago, The Art Kids of San Diego County began a quest, a desire to change the appearance of the South Bay area with art. First they painted Bibbey’s Shell Shop with murals on three sides of the building. People loved what the kids did and one of the murals is now a favorite picture location. They then painted murals throughout the city of Imperial Beach which began an artistic transformation.
They were asked to begin painting the utility boxes throughout Imperial Beach. They are responsible for painting half of those utility boxes in Imperial Beach. The Art Kids have painted many other boxes throughout the south bay area and they can been seen in Coronado, Chula Vista and south San Diego. The pedestrian walk through at the Silver Strand State beach was painted by The Art Kids. They have created a program that helps young people become better artists. Yet, they are labeled to be little Oliver’s (Oliver Twist from Dickens) with paint brushes in hand and wanting to be part of the Paint the Box program. Wanting or begging was used but, are not the correct words, TAKOSDC (The Art Kids of San Diego County) helped start the program and painted many of the utility boxes in Imperial Beach.
The Art Kids of San Diego County have left Imperial Beach for a better location. Some in places of influence have shown their true colors and how truly small minded they are. I appreciate what Albert Einstein once said,” The difference between stupidity and genius is that there is a limit to genius.” The kids were not in Imperial Beach for any political agenda nor do they wish to take away anyone’s job, they merely wanted to learn how to paint, draw and sculpt and to be left alone. The program has been successful by helping young talented people go onto college, get scholarships and awards for their art. Blue ribbons from the fair and to represent the best that kids have to offer. Some of them are talented enough to earn some money to help with their families. Some are published and their work can be seen in books. Some have earned a financial reward by designing wall coverings for the Rady’s Children’s Hospital.
They have donated their time and materials at community events. A mural and two utility boxes were just recently painted for Central Elementary School. They have painted windows for businesses during the holiday seasons without any charge and have donated art equipment and materials to schools and artists throughout the south bay area. TAKOSDC has done nothing but good for the south bay area and for this they have been judged, punished and restricted by city officials in Imperial Beach.
Yes, I complain or as another has stated I whine, because these are kids, young people who do nothing but wish to learn art. They have for the last ten years done nothing but their best to beautify this area with their art. Yes I get upset when I hear adults criticizing my students. Yes I get mad because instead of being positive about the kids they are negative. These are talented and gifted young people that have helped Imperial Beach with their art. They have helped the local businesses with their art.
We have moved to another city, one that appreciates what we are doing. How soon the good that was done is forgotten. A community that does not care for their children and stands by to see the injustice done to them will not long stand. TAKOSDC will always be there for the Fire and Police Departments to help them raise awareness for what they contribute to a community. We will be there for the schools to help them teach the young people how important art is. But, we will not tolerate those who are very short sighted and care nothing for the youth.
