Whether you express yourself through painting, music, dance or writing, artists frequently acknowledge the effect of their moods on their art. Similarly, who hasn’t felt your own mood affected by an artistic endeavor — a song or piece of music that brings an emotional reaction each time you hear it? Emotions and feelings have always been a part of the world of art.

Creativity, the energy of life, flows through all of us, but we learn to label it something unusual, special, requiring rarified glorified skills, harnessed to precise rules and regulations. We begin to believe that creativity is for those with talent. Its goal, to produce something perfect enough to be called art. We practically define the term talent by an ordinary person’s inability to have it. Everyone has a longing to create. That longing is itself the essence of creativity. Only our fear of an imperfect or unacceptable outcome makes our ideas seem shallow, small and unworthy.

So what is this creative impulse? Where does it come from? Why is it so easily blocked and shouted down inside us before we even try? Why does it temptingly beckon us? Why do so many of us day dream about singing, dancing, making films, drawing, painting, writing, but then reject any opportunity to pursue our dreams because believe we lack talent or don’t consider ourselves creative?

The best way to learn more about the creative impulse is to follow it. Investigate the mystery of creation. Experiment. Explore. Discover. Play! Starting at 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, we are giving you that opportunity to play. Given direction, you can use your creative talents to your heart’s content. There will be Tuesday and Thursday classes the rest of July taught by local artists Judy McDonald and Bill Myer. We will have several different bird houses to choose from for the class, and to help get those creative juices flowing there will be patterns to look through. The only thing you need to bring is a towel and a disposable bowl for water. The class will be $3 for senior center members and $5 for non-members.

When you are finished with your project, it is yours to take home. The rest of the supplies will be available at the class. Hope to see you there. To sign up for this class stop by or call the Senior Center front desk at 433-2370 ext. 3.

Thank you to everyone who supported us at Pizza Ranch Monday, July 2. You made it a success. The Senior Center is your center for activities.

You are always welcome at the Senior Center.