Miller Minutes: ‘Find something you like this weekend’
This past weekend I had a conversation with someone about our dislike of a particular set of movie prequels. Now that I have your attention, it was the “Star Wars” prequels.
What started as a conversation between two people became a debate among a dozen others standing around. Everyone had something to say that was different from the last. There was a lot of poking fun at the others’ opinions.
Obviously, no consensus was reached, because none of us were an expert witness, but it got me thinking about art and an audience’s relationship to it.
Art of any kind — visual, audible or a mixture of the two — is popular only because it’s relatable to a broader range of people. It is subjective — it’s good if you like it. Going back to our example, some people relate to Anakin Skywalker and think his story needed to be told. Others (like me), don’t believe the villain origin story was worth three movie budgets.
What’s exciting is that both camps are right about Episodes 1, 2 and 3. Artwork (even subpar prequels) is created for our enjoyment and escape. That being said, if you don’t like the art someone else is making, you can go out and find something you do like, instead of criticizing or making fun of someone else’s taste.
In my case, I can continue living in the fantasy that only Episodes 4, 5 and 6 were created and released by George Lucas. I never have to watch the prequels again. Just like you never have to listen to that band your friend recommended, or see that play everyone is raving about (even if the only reason you’re not seeing it is to be “different”).
My hope is that this little story motivates you to go out there and find something you like this weekend! After all, art is everywhere, especially in Butler County.
See the nature art exhibit “Interdependence” until Feb. 7 at the Regional Learning Alliance, 850 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Admission is free. For more information, visit theRLA.org.
People are invited to ask clergy questions at the “Ask a Pastor” event planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridayat the Abba’s House, 320 W. Main St. in Saxonburg. Friday marks the first evening in a series of events.
Get trained up for the Great Backyard Bird Count from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Buffalo Creek Nature Park, 154 Monroe Road, Sarver. The count itself is on Feb. 15, and can be done with the Audubon Society or anywhere there are wild birds. Registration for the training is required by visiting aswp.org.
A hot cocoa crawl is planned from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday along Zelienople’s Main Street.
Bring an instrument, sing along or come listen to the Music Jam at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 107 Staley Ave. This jam will feature folk, gospel and country music. Admission is free. For more information, visit the event page at visitbutlercounty.org.
Purchase tickets for Butler’s Got Talent on Feb. 7 by visiting mtgbutler.org. This is your chance to see some local, showstopping acts and vote on who is the best! There are VIP and general admission options, but only 150 seats, so hurry!
If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
