Yesterday I accompanied my husband to a local shopping mall where, for the last few months, art work by students from schools in our Rogue Valley school districts has been displayed. Kindergarteners through high school seniors enjoyed the opportunity to have their visual art projects in a variety of media seen by the broader public. At a brief ceremony yesterday their work was recognized and some musical numbers were performed by student groups, so that the performing arts were represented as well. Harry, as a school superintendent, was asked to give a brief speech about the importance of the arts. He chose to talk about how music, visual arts and live dramatic performances have enriched his life personally and as a teacher. As a high school social studies and history teacher, he incorporated lessons on architecture, painting and sculpture into his classes to help his students understand the life and culture of the eras they studied. He pointed out that art helps link us with the past and will connect us to the future, as great art endures for generations. It reveals universal truths while allowing each individual to draw personal meaning from what he sees or hears. Many of us who travel are fortunate in experiencing great works of art and architecture on site rather than simply through photos or reproductions. We can visit incredible museums and take in performances of plays, symphonies, ballets and operas in the world’s great theaters and concert and opera halls. I’d love to hear from you as to some of your favorite museums, architecture or performances you’ve been privileged to enjoy on your travels. What would you go out of your way to be able to see (or see again)? What would you tell fellow travelers are “shouldn’t miss” experiences? — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor