Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt

"The things we fear most in organizations - fluctuations, disturbances, imbalances - are the primary sources of creativity." So said Margaret Wheatley, co-founder of The Berkana Institute, a global charitable organization with the motto "Whatever the problem, community is the answer." I've noticed a lot of folks who fear change, uncertainty and doubt but the reality is most progress doesn't occur without it.

Aransas Pass has certainly seen its share of fluctuations, disturbances and imbalances, especially in the political realm. I mean, admit it, you have to wonder occasionally - are we ever going to have a city manager again who gets to stay longer than a few months? Regardless, though, we are making progress in many creative and wondrous ways. As I was driving to Conn Brown Harbor and the Annual Boating Conference event on Thursday, I celebrated how wonderful that area is looking now. Most of the debris is gone and neglected boats have disappeared. We have a Farmer's Market twice a month at the Chamber. We have our own year-round visual and performing arts venue at the historic Rialto Theater downtown. As a realtor, I see a lot of homes renovated and fixed-up around town. Our Civic Center is a great step forward. Yes, we have more to do but I know that with fortitude, our community continues to tackle problem areas, improve and grow.

This column primarily centers around art and creativity and, while it obviously focuses most on the artistic realm, I try to consistently get across the fact that creativity is not an 'artists only' characteristic. I believe everyone has a bit of the artist within. You may not consider yourself one, but that does not mean you cannot be open and creative every day. So, open your mind, open your heart and do something today that gives back to our community - whether you consider it "artistic" or not.

Upcoming Artisan Events:

- Friday, October 9, 7:30 p.m. - "Geezerpalooza" Concert by Steven Fromholz and Vince Bell. Rialto Theater. Admission: $20.
- Fridays and Saturdays through October 9 - "Broken Up" Live Stage Comedy. Port Aransas Community Theatre. Admission: $15.
- Fridays and Saturdays through October 31, 7:00 p.m. - "Rocky Horror Show" Musical. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.

- Sunday, October 11, 7:30 p.m. - Cinema Flashbacks Club. "Rififi" French Crime Masterpiece. Rialto Theater. Admission: Membership $5, Free to Club Members.

- Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).

- Saturday, October 24, 7:30 p.m. - Concert by Bluesman Jesse Cahn. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.

- Daily through October 10 - "(un)natural worlds" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.

- Daily through November 4. - "Fireworks & Bling" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
- Daily through November 5 - Exhibit of the work of Rockport artist Ed Boyd. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.

- Saturday, November 7 - "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Annual Gala & Fundraiser celebrating Rialto Theater's Grand Opening. Admission: $15.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.