The times they are a-changin’, as the song says.

As I write this in December 2009, I’m seeing growing pains in our society.  We’re in an economy that no longer supports the status symbols many people equate with happiness.

Sure, some people are still scrambling for overtime hours and second or third jobs.  Others have run out of options and sit at home, mourning the loss of their platinum charge cards.  (Last month, a friend received a platinum MasterCard with a $300 line of credit… when did that become “platinum”?)

However, many people are tossing out pretense and looking beyond status symbols.  They’re looking at the quality of life, and how that can be improved.  They may be at the “early adopter” level, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

As more and more people come to terms with the shallowness of status, they’re going to adjust their priorities.

I think we’ll see some or all of these resume their importance in daily life:  family, recreation, traditions, “the best things in life are free,” spirituality, beauty, deep emotions, and — of course — the arts.

We portray what’s important to us in our art, and people want those symbols around them in their homes and places of work.  Whether it’s a family portrait, a religious icon, or some other emotionally rich artwork, people will want the energy that original art brings them.

I believe that — once the economic dust starts to settle — we’ll see a renewed interest in (and support of) the arts.

However, between now and then, there may be some challenges.  Since so many people think of art as a luxury, it may be among the first to slump in the popular marketplace.

(Movies seem to be an exception.  In past recessions and depressions, movies appeared to gain popularity in direct proportion to how bad the economy was.)

Educating people to appreciate art — and to believe that they deserve it, and it feeds their soul — may take longer.  My recent article, Art as emotional education, suggests one plan of action.

Also, shortly after the U.S. recession of 1981 – 82, the Bread & Puppet Theater published the Cheap Art Manifesto.

Making a portion of our art products available at “cheap” prices may be a vital part of art education for our community.

Yes, we still need to earn a living wage.

However, I think we’re on the brink of change.  As we reinvent our society based on new economic realities, we have an opportunity to restore art to its rightful place among society’s priorities.

By stepping up and participating in these changes, you have a chance to make a difference.  You also place yourself in a position of visibility as an artist.

Short-term, it’s important not to abandon your art.  Don’t give in to the idea that nobody can afford art.  Above all, don’t stop making art.  Even if you’re merely showing it (at private gatherings in your home/studio) or practically giving it away… keep making art!

The times are definitely changing, but artists have always been the visionaries.  We see what’s ahead and find ways to make it even better.

We’re approaching a time when we can make art important again.  As you plan your next career steps, keep that in mind.