Actor Jaime Zevallos once said, “you can’t really have art without having a sense of community, as art is for others to enjoy as well.”

We are fortunate that art is celebrated constantly in southwest Michigan. We celebrate visual arts at many art galleries, businesses and colleges in our area, and enjoy performance arts in dance recitals, musicals, concerts and plays at our local schools and community theaters.

Almost in conjunction with the colors that are popping up throughout the region as spring finally makes its way here, many artists are being celebrated.

Through separate galleries, Southwestern Michigan College and the Buchanan Art Center recently recognized student artists making an impact through their works. This recognition inspires young artists to keep honing their talents and sharing them with the community.

The Cass Area Artists are gearing up for busy season with lots of events and classes planned for summer. Created with the goal to create a community of artists, the organization has also connected artists to our community.

Beginning this weekend in Dowagiac, people will visit the Grand Old City to see performances and presentations from renowned visiting and local artists alike.

Art is important for so many reasons, some of the most important reasons including:

•  It makes us think: Good art does not reflect what the artist sees, but what the viewer sees. When we watch a show or see a painting, we gain an opinion about it and consider what the artist wants us to learn.

• It makes us communicate: Art viewed communally encourages us to share those opinions with others. When we share ideas, we learn.

• It’s good for tourism: Simply put, art attracts art lovers. People travel to a community to see its art, and when they do, they visit our shops, eat lunch in our restaurants and see all a town has to offer.

We are appreciative to the leaders in Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Buchanan, Niles and Edwardsburg who recognize this impact and offer pathways for these talented makers to create. Our communities are better for your efforts, and they do not go unnoticed.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton and sports editor Scott Novak.