Guest Editorial: It is never too early to support the arts

The arts are essential. They allow us to explore what is fundamental about ourselves; to discover our common humanity through various modes of expression; and to better understand the world around us. The arts exist in many forms – all of which add to beauty and distinction of our lives and to the lives of those around us. 

As a community, we need the arts. The following is a story of one young man, Kaleb Gosart, whose love of the arts epitomizes the mission of Tioga Arts Council (TAC). 

Kaleb Gosart is not your average 6-year-old. If he had superhero powers, Kaleb would have super speed and ice power. He has a great love for crafts of all kinds – particularly building electrical crafts. 

He also loves writing, and his favorite musician is Meghan Trainor! When asked about why he likes the musician, Kaleb smiled and said, “I like when it goes: If I was you, I’d wanna be me too, 

I’d wanna be me too, I’d wanna be me too.” 

We hear ya, Kaleb! But it isn’t only his unique personality that impresses us. Kaleb has also demonstrated an exceptional love of the arts and an active support for TAC earlier this year. 

As our inaugural Lego Club wound down on April 18, Kaleb strolled through our gallery and fell in love with the monster sculptures on display at this year’s artfully SQUARED. 

Determined to bring home a monster of his very own, Kaleb returned home, brainstormed ways he could raise money, and came up with a solution: he would sell rocks. 

“I like rocks and thought everyone else would too,” said Kaleb. 

Apparently, he was right! Kaleb discovered a niche market and created “Kaleb Rocks.” Along the way, he learned many stories from customers who loved rocks, how the rocks remind them of people, places, special vacations, and more. 

Kaleb Rocks was so successful that Kaleb was able to purchase, not just one, but two artfully SQUARED pieces – a monster sculpture and a picture of a black cat. 

“I was so happy I was going to cry in my head because I paid for it myself,” Kaleb beamed. 

It was such a great experience that Kaleb wants to make Kaleb Rocks an official business. With his mother’s permission, Kaleb may start looking for employees, put out a “Hiring” sign, and make a commercial. 

This is just one example of how Kaleb and his family support the Tioga Arts Council (TAC) and the greater Tioga County community. In addition to Lego Club and Kids’ Night Out, they are regular visitors at First Friday Art Walk. He and his 4-year-old brother, Mason, both enjoy visiting the Black Cat Gallery and fondly remember many First Friday Art Walk activities like making fishing flies at Riverow Bookshop and eating “Monster Sandwiches” at TAC. 

In the community, you can find Kaleb and his family painting and hiding rocks as part of Tioga County Rocks; assisting employees at Chemung Canal Trust in Owego; or simply visiting different shops and making friends in the Historic District. Kaleb and Mason both agreed that they like “seeing the cool stuff” at TAC, as well as at the other shops in the community. 

What else can we say, except: You rock, Kaleb! Not only are you an official patron of the arts, you are also a budding entrepreneur and community leader. 

Kaleb’s story of creativity and hard work reminds us that it is never too early to support the arts. 

At TAC, we will continue to provide programs that ignite the imagination of children like Kaleb; look for new opportunities – like the Tioga Arts & Agriculture Trail; explore new modes of expression; and pursue new dreams. But in order to do this, we need your help. If you enjoy the arts and want to keep them alive, will you remember Kaleb’s example and include Tioga Arts Council in your year-end giving plans? 

Your donation, no matter what size, shows that you love the arts. Give today! 

We thank you in advance for your confidence in our mission and our accomplishments. It is your continued support that makes our work possible. 

To learn how you can support TAC, call (607) 687-0785, visit www.tiogaartscouncil.org, or visit them at 179 Front St. in Owego.