My National Endowment for the Arts story

I thought I would make this whole NEA thing personal.

When I graduated from college in 1981, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was under attack by the new president, Ronald Reagan, an actor. It was saved from the cutting block because friends of the president convinced the administration that the NEA actually provided "benefits". Click Wikipedia link.

I majored in Economics in college and did a lot of theatre both on- and behind- stage. After graduation, I wanted to work as an administrator in a regional or major theater. Because of the threats to the NEA. no theater in the country was hiring. I still have the stack of rejection letters.

The economy was in desperate conditions in 1981. The mortgage interest rate was in double digits. Finding any job was difficult. I did eventually get hired as a Washington, DC congressional and legislative liaison for a Midwest manufacturing company.

Less than five years into my "career" as a congressional/legislative liaison I started working part-time at Arena Stage in Washington, DC. I worked both for manufacturer and Arena Stage jobs for a period of time until Arena was willing and able to hire me for full time.

That was the start of my career in theater. By then the NEA was back on solid footing and theaters were expanding and hiring once again. Because of funding from the NEA and associated state and city arts organization, I had a very successful career as a theatrical stage manager. Theaters were creating companies of actors and designers.

Guthrie Theater 1987

I eventually made it to the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis where I still live and OWN A HOME that I purchased while working at the Guthrie. Because the NEA is funded, many artists I know are making a living, buying homes and raising families.

The NEA that lead to my success was not elitist...was not wasteful.

More of Artie and Carol's visit (July 3rd)

I took half day off from work on Wednesday, July 3rd, to play tourist with Artie and Carol.  We went to the Walker Sculpture Garden, Basilica of St. Mary, Guthrie's Endless Bridge view of Mississippi River, downtown Minneapolis and the skyway system.

Allison got us into the Metropolitan Club at Target Field where we had great food and watched the Twins lose yet another game with the Yankees....ugh.  The game was followed by fireworks right near where we were seated.

Another self-portrait with spoon and cherry at Walker Sculpture Garden

Carol and Artie on the Guthrie Endless Bridge with Gold Medal sign.

Carol, Artie, Allison and me in the Metropolitan Club at Target Field.

Fireworks after the game on 3rd.

Twins sign at Target Field.

Artie and Carol decided to head home on July 4th instead of waiting for Friday. Artie had a class to teach on Saturday and driving that far in one really long stretch was just not practical.

It was a wonderful visit. I am so glad that some friends are willing to make the trip out.  We are now planning on the 2014 All Star event hosted by the Twins, Target Field and Minneapolis.

Running For Brunch - Guthrie 50th anniversary 5k

The team's June run was part of the Guthrie Theater's 50th anniversary celebration and community day.

It was very muggy but I had a real good run plus I won best male costume. I made the various collars that everyone is wearing.

A day at the theatre

Rose, James and I had a wonderful outing to the Guthrie to see Arsenic and Old Lace starring Sally Wingert -- pictured.

We got to meet up with Sally and Martha Kulig, Stage Manager Arms and the Man, following the performance.

The show was fun and funny.  Catching up with Rose, James, Sally and Martha was even more fun.

And we found out we had TWO Minnesota State gold medalists in Humerous Interpretation. James won in 1974 and Sally won in 1970. (I hope I got those years correct.)

James gold medal was for interpreting a scene from Arsenic and Old Lace.

Busy weekend

It was a busy weekend.

Rose kindly invited me to the opening night of And When We Were Married at the Guthrie on Friday night.

Saturday, a group drove down to Cannon Falls for a canoe/paddling adventure down the Cannon River. It was an 8 mile trip and lots of fun. We saw a young bald eagle and one of its parents take flight from a tree right next to the river.

We also saw turtles and lots of ducks. There were some easy rapids to make it exciting but it was mostly a very easy paddle.

Sunday, got to meet Stella finally -- Andrea and Jason's new born. She is seven weeks old and very very cute. Andrea's mom, Kathy, was also there at breakfast at the Egg and I.

Then I met Bruce Cochran at Dunn Brothers for an interview for my local paper, The Uptown News. Bruce is doing a story on my bodybuilding competition.

Also on Sunday there was a garden intervention at Loretta's. She had gotten behind on keeping the weed trees away. Congrats to Bunny, Amy, Jackie and Linda for tackling a big project.


We went to Old Chicago afterward to relax, have a couple of beers and eat. While there my phone rang and I found out I won a $400.00 rod and reel from the community pool fundraiser in Ashland, Oregon. Alicia and Jill use the pool and funds were being raised to keep it open.

They float rubber ducks down the river in Ashland. My duck came in 5th!

And finally on Sunday, Jenny (Moose Stalker), Brian (Swims With Loons) and Julie (Eats A Lot) came over Sunday evening to discuss our Boundary Waters trip in a couple of weeks.

Now back to Dallas this morning.