Leaders of the Missouri Arts Council addressed nearly 30 art enthusiasts Thursday in downtown Cape Girardeau, where they asked for input on how to help arts thrive in the state.

The meeting at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri was the second stop on an eight-city listening tour that serves as a brainstorming session for what the Missouri Arts Council could focus on in the next year.

The state council asked attendees to answer to three questions -- what they think will help arts thrive in the community, what will encourage people to participate in the arts and what a state arts agency should offer the state.

Jan Chamberlain, a resident of Cape Girardeau for more than 40 years, said she'd like the visual art exhibits in the local gallery to be more professional. In addition, Chamberlain said she'd like new exhibits to feature an artist's newest work and nothing outdated.

"This art gallery should represent the best of what Cape Girardeau has to offer," she said.

Jennifer Mullix, newly hired executive director of Discovery Playhouse, said introduction to the arts should start with children. She'd like to see more interactive exhibits where children can paint, draw, sing and dance. It should be a place where they can express themselves and not be held back.

"It's all about exposure," Mullix said. "Let the kids be the drivers."

Old Town Cape director Marla Mills praised the venues in Cape Girardeau that allow artists to showcase their work but said she'd like to see more public art in the community.

More of the group got involved in the discussion when Missouri Arts Council leaders asked them what it would take to get more people to participate in the arts.

They addressed better marketing and discussed how the Internet has taken ahold of the culture. Facebook, Twitter and Google allow all generations to access information and art-related events could be advertised on the social networking sites, a number of attendees said.

Chamberlain said that galleries could start to feature more art instructor work to inspire students, while Mullix suggested that galleries promote ongoing events and be more accessible to the busy work schedule of families with children.

Central High School teacher Beth Thomas suggested the Missouri Arts Council offer the same sort of listening tour to high school and college students and get them more involved in the arts.

"I am curious what their answers would be to these questions," Thomas said.

Mills told Missouri Arts Council officials it's important they continue being a source for local organizations who need guidance or information on state art initiatives.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent Address:

32 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, MO