Editor,

A friend of mine who recently moved to South Whidbey told me: “I can’t imagine living on this island if not for the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.” And I realized, that is true for me too – and probably many of us.

As our tickets were scanned at a recent performance, I overheard a woman and child in front of us asking questions because it was their first time at WICA.

My friend and I struck up a conversation with the mother and her young daughter, who sported a charming painted dragonfly on her cheek. It was a very special night: To celebrate her birthday, the little girl had asked to see the local, Maple Valley-raised singer-songwriter and “The Voice” alumni, Zan Fiskum, perform.

The concert was made all the more enjoyable to me watching the girl and her mother loving their first time at our community’s center for the arts.

We’re coming out of a pandemic and watching heartbreaking bloodshed in Ukraine. But this night reminded me that art and creativity in all its forms are at the center of what we have to be thankful for.

This is a wonderful time to enjoy the social connection and heart-warming performances at WICA, especially if you’ve never been. There always are a limited number of discounted $20 tickets and youth discounts. WICA is changing, offering a wider variety of programming and events at more times of the day – and also more local and community events. WICA is a non-profit and its sole purpose is to bring amazing, creative, artistic endeavors to our community.

These are difficult times and making memories with family and friends at our center for the arts is just what we all need. Hope to see you there!

Joann Hamick Quintana

Langley