Lights on Lancaster: How One American City Harnesses the Power of the Arts to Transform Its Communities - Paperback

by John R. Gerdy (Author)

This diverse collection of stories reveals what is possible when creativity is seen as vital rather than incidental to a thriving community.

The city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when viewed from the outside, looks just like other small cities in America, so what makes this city so unique when it comes to the arts? Told through the stories of people who bring art and creativity to every aspect of life in Lancaster, this collection of essays gives us a glimpse into what makes this city so special and a template that other communities can use as inspiration to harness the power of the arts closer to home. It's a window into the thriving modern art scene of one of America's oldest inland cities.

We'll hear first-hand accounts from a mayor who championed public art programs, teachers using art to bring core curriculum to life, a doctor who sees the role art can play in healing patients, local artists, entrepreneurs, and so many more, that reveal what is possible when the arts are seen as crucial rather than incidental.

An aspirational road map for anyone looking to bring more of the arts into their homes, workplaces, schools, and communities, such as:

- Educators wanting to integrate the arts into their curriculum
- Parents looking for new ways to expose their children to the arts
- Artists of every discipline hoping to add their creativity to their communities
- Art lovers wanting to discover the many ways art shows up in their locales
- Creatives seeking new avenues to expand their artistic expression
- People who hold positions in local government in need of ideas for public art
- Business owners looking for innovative ways to enhance their presence in impactful ways
- Travelers yearning for destinations that are rich with art and cultural significance

Author Biography

Dr. John R. Gerdy serves as founder and executive director of Music For Everyone, a non-profit dedicated to cultivating the power of music as an educational and community building tool in Lancaster County. He has authored several books on the role of sports and music in our schools and society.