One lesson my family taught me was to never be bored. If I couldn’t find something to do, it meant I wasn’t looking hard enough.

My parents were always implementing some kind of creative project. I could usually find my mom and sister scraping the paint from a ceiling on Broadway or laying hardwood floors on Sixth Street in Paducah. Afterward, the family and I would eat dinner with whoever helped us that day. Everyone and everything had the potential to be interesting.

I took this attitude with me when I studied comparative literature at Washington University. Despite the program’s name, reading was only a fraction of my education. I learned to talk about art, but I also learned how to work with second-graders through a YMCA reading program. Most of all, I learned how it all tied together: how the arts could provide a way for me, and others, to help people.

I was lucky enough this week to talk to artists who are clear about what they’re doing and why it matters. Their work isn’t confined to galleries, or made just for those who can afford it. It’s made to be shared, and I hope my column can make that happen. I plan to sit down with local artists as often as possible. And if there’s an arts event I can drive, walk, or (preferably) run to, I hope to see you there.

Laurel Black is the Sun’s arts and entertainment writer. Contact her at 270-575-8641 or lblack@paducahsun.com.