Here we are, once again at that time of year where we remember to be thankful for the little, big and in-between things in our lives. Some of us take the entire week or just one day to give “thanks” and recognize that we may in fact be lucky to be alive. It’s that time of year to see the glass as “half full”. The arts are no exception to this onslaught of gratitude as artist, musicians and creative thinkers alike thank the stars, their moms, the universe and evolution for the talents they have. Last year I tweeted, “It would be great if everyone was as ‘thankful’ everyday as they are grateful this 1 day! My glass is always full” – and you can quote me on that.

I am sincerely optimistic and generally take a light-hearted approach to everything that I do. My art can be dark and seem cataclysmic at times; however that’s just an expression of my creative genius. We use art to express our emotions, political views and love for others. Our art can be a movement a message or even a way of life. Whether you are adding the pepper-spraying cop, Lt. John Pike to masterpieces simply to express your outrage or even if you’re just uploading a picture to “{I Can Has Cheezburger” – chances are you can see something in the way of hope for the future.

I see hope. I wish others well while giving, sharing and creating unconditionally. I love my children, my family, my job and my friends. I make art not war. I give art as gifts and have the gift of art. This holiday take the time to share you expressive creative freedom with the world. Craft something dark or mysterious, political, humorous or beautiful and share it with everyone. Offer up a freebie to your family and friends. Take the role of the child making a birthday card and make something for the ones you love. The gesture will inspire and it just feels fantastic to give a little piece of ‘you’ to the ones you love.

So this holiday I’ll be sitting down to my vegetarian feast thinking about all the wonderful things I can do for you (the world) to make it more wonderful. I’ll start with art and a smile. How about you?

Remember: grow; learn; conserve; preserve; create; question; educate; change; and free your mind.

About: Kelli Klymenko is an artist, a faculty member and the Marketing & Events Coordinator at Sedona Arts Center: a gathering place where artists can learn, teach, and exhibit their works at the center’s School of the Arts and Fine Art Gallery in uptown Sedona.