“Art is a nation’s most precious heritage. For it is in our works of art that we reveal to ourselves and to others the inner vision which guides us as a nation. And where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Former President Lyndon Johnson offered those words when he signed into existence the National Endowment on the Arts.

And they ring true nearly 50 years later.

The arts are a core part of who we are, giving us the chance to escape our everyday lives; to stretch our imaginations and our vision; to experience beauty, drama, excitement; to appreciate the creative process that sets us apart from other species.

Preserving and promoting the arts is just as important. For more than 40 years, the Troy Arts Council has worked tireless to preserve and promote the arts right here in Pike County.

Driven by the efforts of a multitude of volunteers and funded by grants and the support of hundreds of community patrons each year, the council brings world-class performing arts events to Troy.

The programs, selected annually, includes musical and theatrical events featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed performers. Through the arts council, we’ve enjoyed the Vienna Boys Choir; fantastic percussionists; illusionists; tribute performers that harkened back to the days of Frank Sinatra and the big bands; and dozens of theater performances. This year’s slate promises to be just as exciting.

Later this month, the TAC will hold its annual Patrons Drive, the chance for the community to sign up to support the council with a donation and, in return, receive tickets and admission to the TAC events.

We encourage everyone to step up and become a patron of the Troy Arts Council this year.

Supporting, promoting and sharing the arts is a high calling, the TAC does an excellent job of doing so.

Let’s help keep “the inner vision that guides our nation” alive here in Troy and Pike County.