Walking with Wesley Bolin

Wesley Bolin’s farming family moved from Missouri to Arizona when he was just seven years old — never thinking, I suspect, that he’d one day serve in the state’s highest office.

Bolin died in office on March 4, 1978 — just months after becoming governor in October. Shortly after Bolin’s death, the plaza located across from the Arizona State Capitol was given his name.

It’s still known as Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, and it’s home to a wide variety of memorials designed to help us all remember the diverse citizens who’ve served our communities, state and nation.

I walked through the plaza’s many pathways last fall with my son Christopher, something we’d also enjoyed together many years ago when he was barely as tall as the shortest monuments. There we lingered over memorials honoring veterans, peace officers, early Arizona settlers, 9/11 victims and more.

The Arizona State Capitol Mall will be filled with people celebrating the Arizona Centennial at this weekend’s Phoenix “Best Fest.” There’ll be music and motorcycles, dance and demonstrations, food and fanfare.

And the opportunity for folks who attend to walk a while with the memory of Wesley Bolin, and others memorialized in the plaza that bears his name. Celebrate away — but don’t forget to remember.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to learn more about special Arizona Capitol Museum hours during Best Fest and Centennial Day

Coming up: Tempe tale, Freckle power!, Watch your step…

I’m just a bill…

Arts advocates gathered at the Arizona Capitol yesterday for the 2012 Arts Congress.

First, a heartfelt thanks to all of you who made it to yesterday’s Arizona Arts Congress — and to the legislators who took time to meet with all the lovely folks who care about arts and culture, and the role it plays in our economy, community, schools and everyday lives.

Thankfully, those of us who couldn’t make it can still weigh in with our legislators about just how much we value arts and culture. Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts has details about three issues noted on its website — and makes it easy for folks to send e-mails to the folks who vote on such things.

Arizona Representative Steve Farley meeting with arts advocates during the 2011 Arts Congress at the Arizona State Capitol

Seems there’s already a bit of good news on that front. Today the Arizona House of Representatives committee considering HB 2265 decided to move it forward for consideration by the larger legislative body. HB 2265 authorizes the continuation, for another ten years, of the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

This makes me a happy camper, because they’re an invaluable resource for artists, educators and citizens. If you’re not getting their newsletters, you’re missing the latest and greatest news about arts-related events, arts education, funding opportunities, calls for student artwork and much more.

Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego meeting with David Hemphill of the Black Theatre Troupe during the 2011 Arts Congress attended by more than 200 advocates

But HB 2265 is just one of three arts-related issues working its way through this legislative session. Another, SB 1348, would establish an Arizona poet laureate. We need a state poet; don’t I know it. Finally, there’s a section of the governor’s proposed budget that would further cut funding for arts — and advocates can still weigh in on that prospect.

Those of you who remember the musical “Schoolhouse Rock” can probably still sing David Frishberg’s lyrics for “I’m Just a Bill.” But nothing is ever “just a bill.” Every piece of legislation working its way through both the Arizona House of Representatives and the Arizona Senate has the potential to impact our daily lives. Click here to join fellow citizens championing the arts in Arizona.

— Lynn

Note: If you have photos from this year’s Arizona Arts Congress to share, I’d love to see them — and you may find them featured in a future post. Click here to learn more about this weekend’s “Arizona Best Fest” Phoenix taking place at, and around, the Arizona Capitol Mall (and watch for a future post highlighting monuments your family can explore during your visit).

Coming up: Reflections from Catherine “Rusty” Foley, executive director for Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts

Photos: 2011 Arts Congress photos courtesy of Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts