You know how we artists are always talking about how the pleasures of “making art” outweigh any sort of financial reward? Well, most of the time we think this way… except around the end of the month.

Last night, I was lucky enough to experience one of those true moments of artistic beauty. Art for art’s sake, really.

A few inspirational people from my singing/acting/art/love studio (really one person in particular) have worked to create a group called “B-Sides,” delivering readings of lesser known yet cherished musicals every month. I was fortunate to attend the reading of “The Spitfire Grill” and let’s just say… art for art’s sake completely blew me out of the water.

In one of those classic, mentally-soundtracked epiphanies of joy and love and gratitude and realization, I was proud to be a member of such a creative and talented community. Despite the torrential downpour we all experienced on our way to the studio, despite the glum of the Spring audition season coming to a close, despite my own fears and inhibitions, I felt completely whole and restored after the two hours of art, music, vulnerability and strength demonstrated by my peers. Art for art’s sake! I felt healed and ready for another day.

And thank goodness it’s a lovely 67 degrees outside, low humidity. I think our art fixed everything.

“Ever Upward!” – New York State Motto