Special Feature: "For Jason" by the Editor

Editor's Note: My son, Jason, received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fine Arts from the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) in Columbus, Ohio on May 13.  The following is the poem that I composed for him to mark the occasion; (I'm sure he would rather have been given the keys to a new car, but alas).  While written specifically for my son, I believe that the poem will resonate with any college graduate, especially recent grads and those with degrees in arts and letters.

The illustration, Fairy Garden, was painted by Jason this year as part of his senior thesis project.  It was chosen to be displayed on the CCAD campus by the faculty of CCAD as an example of one of "the best of the best of CCAD's artists and designers."  Find out more about the artist here:  http://www.jasonartgo.com/about-contact.

For Jason

         Upon his graduation from the

Columbus College of Art & Design

You were always an artist

from the imaginative finger

paintings you created before

you could even talk to the

amazing oils, watercolors,

and sculptures you create now. 

Your degree may mark

you as a professional fine artist

(or as a fine professional artist)

in the world of your artistic peers

and by some who peer at your work

but it will be the exertion of your mind

and hands that shall define you. 

The only piece of paper that matters

is that upon which you make your mark 

and the only judge that matters is

YOU.

Be proud of what you create

or keep working until you are

and the world will eventually

share that pride with you.