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(#159) APPLAUSE IS NOT ENOUGH:

Edition of 1163 of which 100 copies are signed 1-100, 26 copies are signed A-Z as artist's proofs; one is signed as a dedication copy, and three sets are signed as progressives. In addition, ten are signed with Roman numerals i through x.

June 13, 1994 17-3/8" x 24" 11 colors

Client: Iowa Alliance for Arts Education. Rhonda Taggart, 5512 Westwood Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50312. Telephone (515) 277-1254) and Pro Bono Publico.
A-Z: Artist's own use Dedication copy: Rhonda Taggart Progressives: One set to Rhonda Taggart

(Society of Illustrators 37th Annual Exhibition; 37th Annual of American Illustration, 1995; Graphis Poster 96)

Applause is Not Enough means what it says. Though we crave praise, the arts and arts education cannot survive on blandishments alone. Arts education in the public schools can survive only if money is apportioned to classes, teachers, facilities and supplies. These funds are being cut all over America, and the vital education of children in painting, drawing, dance, theater and music is slowly disappearing.

By its nature, art is accessible to everyone, and many a soul has been saved through art and the joy of creation. Arts education may seem frivolous and inessential, but a nation without art will become a nation that cannot dream. Already we are withdrawing from the promise of the stars; already we are looking only down at the mud. Art is a vision of tomorrow, a vision of transcendence, a vision of hope. Art continually explores the new. Art creates progress as, in great and small ways, it challenges authority. Art is more powerful than propaganda. Art does not tolerate despotism; art mocks the stuffed-shirt; art ridicules the stifling bureaucrat. Art has no boundaries, and finds fences absurd. Art is without race or gender. Without arts education, Americans will be unable to imagine greatness, and therefore greatness will not come to us.