Years ago, about twenty-five or thirty, I think, a small group of, at that time, current and former students sat in our family room in Bridgeport, Michigan and tossed around the idea of one day living and working in a shared arts community. It was referred to then as the “family mansion”. We truly considered ourselves one large family and in many ways still do. These were young people, high school and college kids who had worked closely with us in school and out. We talked about it a lot in those days.

Of course, it wasn’t at all realistic. No consideration was given to the reality of them one day having families of their own or the financial enormity of such a venture. It was just a wonderful thing to contemplate. The thought of the “starving artist” never entered the conversation, but gads it was inspiring and fun.

The extended family is much larger now and many of them continue to pursue their artistic visions. Many do have families of their own and all are much more aware of the “starving artist’ scenario. The realities that restricted the original dream are still in place, but in quiet moments a stray thought of that time long ago manages to creep in. At my age I should not entertain any such thoughts. But hey, any of you out there have any hot ideas?