December 2011
Dear Friends,
The calendar is running out on 2011, and we are releasing a sigh of contentment as we think back over the many moments of community, culture and art you all have helped to make possible here at Ashé Cultural Arts Center. We have hosted over 20,000 of you at nearly 800 performances, events, exhibits, lectures, films, panels, meetings, convenings, workshops, socials, and family and community gatherings.
You and your friends, colleagues, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and grandparents have left such lively and endearing spirits with us when they joined us. We have hosted 6,000 of you in other venues off-premises. All of this has returned to us and strengthened our commitment and effort to create and continue the task of mixing the wonderful ingredients of community and culture with art. Please think of us when you make contributions and gifts to organizations at work in the community.
These are indeed times that can try the soul. But we realize that the power of culture and community combined can lift us, carry us and anchor us through bad times, till times get better. We thank you for your support, encouragement and presence. We exist because you exist. Your life gives our life purpose. Your challenges give our life focus. Your potential gives our life vision. As this year ends, we encourage you to be of good heart, to believe in hope and the unknown but dependable power of good work and faith. We count on you to be there in 2012, and we assure you that you can count on us being there. In the end, we are to each other the inspiration that we need to build a better world. If that is not enough, then certainly the warm smiles, hugs and kisses of so many "wonder full" children should move us a long ways toward full-powered involvement and action. But, my friends, the most important part of tomorrow is the belief in the possibility that things can be, will be better for us all. Passed all the history, the current reality, there is a path, maybe several that lead to a better tomorrow.
You can count on us to be lighting candles rather than cursing the darkness. And we know that we can count on you to do the same. See you in 2012. Till then, enjoy the bonds of family and friends and the blessing of children and elders in your life. We look forward to the 2012 journey with you. God willing, it will be full of love, learning and adventure.
Blessings and Best Wishes, The Ashé Family
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