It’s that time of year once again, where we look back on all the accomplishments, failures and creations that left their mark on us over the last 365 days. Despite the tumultuous economy, slashing of budgets and dismissal of art in society – it’s been a fairly decent year for art. We reminded the world that art is at the very center of our communities and the inspiration that drives innovation. We shared dreams, imagination and culture with our neighbors and introduced the world of art to another generation of children. We’re definitely on the right path.

How do you summarize an entire year of culture? This past year we witnessed everything from public art and graffiti, multimedia and political statements to classic and experimentalist revivals in the world of art. There was controversy once again over restorations and cleanings, bringing Leonardo da Vinci’s work at the Louvre into the spotlight. Forrest Gump was entered into the Library of Congress Film Registry as one of the greats. And science came to the forefront once again, proving that science is beautiful at Princeton’s annual “Art of Science” contest.

To name just a few…

But if we take an honest look back at art, what we really see is that it’s timeless. It doesn’t matter if your art was a trend that peaked for 22 days and was lost in the noise of Banksy shortly after. Your art will live on, in some form, somewhere in the world. There are basements being unearthed that are full of culture and creativity. Perhaps your art is stored like mine: in a dark closet, under a Darth Vader mask – one day these treasures could be shared with the world. The art itself will live on long after we have returned our atoms to the collective universe we call home.

Take this time to remember that the creativity that you share will live on forever. Touch one life with your art and it affects every life in contact with that person; every life that connects with those people – in an endless succession of expansion. Your vision could very well be the seed that changes the world. An inspiring piece could warm the icy hearts of scrooges or enrage the protestor we witnessed this past year to stir up change and improvement in human rights.

So instead of me telling you what to reflect upon this past year – take the time to look back, see the world of art and how it changed you. And look forward to 2012 with an open mind and open heart while sharing your imagination with the world.

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.