Remembrance of art past: a poet ponders MAM's century of art

Diane Lilli
Posted

If you are born an artist, it is wise not to fight this.

Whether you see the world around you in bold graphic shapes that somehow end up on canvas or drop lines of poetry - never rhyming but always pounding at the heart of the matter - an artist you will remain.

You may don your suit and tie or slip on a velvet black dress with pointy heels to dance the night away but still - your true nature will rule.

The Montclair Museum of Art (MAM) has been a lifeline for my own poet's eye.

You see, I don't consider art as an accessory or a side-dish. Oh no, to me it's the whole meal - from start to finish, from melody to poetry to sculpture to animation - my own heart uncurls like a relaxed fist when I take the time to honor and take in art, in all its forms.

MAM always, always reminds me of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. (Hey, I told you I am a poet - so just accept the leap.)

You see, I often wander around the New York Met, or the Guggenheim or MOMA, but when I need to feel those welcoming arms hug me with just the right size of art - I head to MAM. It's not too big - not too small - but fits just right.

Anyone, even the most ardent art lover, can be overwhelmed by massive galleries overflowing with genius.

At MAM, the galleries are like a slow-moving easy river current that will glide you along, from the newest cutting-edge digital works to the classic lush George Inness room to the spectacular American Indian galleries.

What can I say? I feel at home in this museum. It is not stuffy - and I always, always am surprised by something hanging on its walls.

But most importantly, I am humbled by the next generation of artists who are discovering their own talent, and I am wowed by MAM's Yard school of Art.

You see, it's a funny thing. It's not just lawyers and doctors who watch their own children join the ranks of their professions.

Artists - and poets - have kids too. My own 3 children are all artists, each one in their own field and stage of growth.

At MAM, the eclectic and engaging art classes are a lifeline for anyone who needs to find not only education but also solace among others who are also on an artistic path, one that is often lined with loneliness and fear especially during those tumultuous childhood years.

Though my newspaper sustains me, my poetry makes me come alive.

My art has kept me sometimes poor, sometimes very successful and wealthy but always, always whole.

MAM is the right size, the perfect fit, and the visionary tool we all need to share with our friends and family.

I am honored to have MAM in my life.

And I am looking forward to the next century, for who knows what

magic will welcome all of us within its hallowed doors?

I was born a writer, which was never a choice for me. Along the way, I have written and ready poetry in cities from New York to Boston to Lahaina (Maui) to Rome to London to New Delhi.

My journey as a poet has opened doors for me and connected me with opportunities beyond my wildest dreams, and every step of the way, I have leaned on paintings and sculptures for support. For this I am truly grateful. As an artist, with museums like MAM you know for certain: as an artist you are never alone.

Happy Birthday to the Montclair Art Museum - the welcoming, warm and visionary home for all art lovers and art, in all its glory.

In a world of budgets and crime and taxes and the grim details of making a living, I thank you for offering us a place to catch our breath, open our eyes, and once again dream.