The arts have a special place in my heart. My friends have a special place in my art. And my friends who are artists--they may hold the most special place of all.

My artist friends are great. They’re creative, clever, and some of the hardest working people I know. They pursue the majors that some people find “questionable”--English, Film, Music, Theatre--but I think they’re brilliant.

You probably have artist friends too. Writers. Designers. Dancers. Filmmakers. They may be vocal about their work, or they may create in the shadows. Either way, they do everything they can for their art.

And they need your support.

Your artist friends don’t have an easy life. They need motivation and encouragement. They need to know that their creations are good and meaningful. They need to know that someone else is watching, someone else cares and someone else believes in their dream beside themselves. Artists need you to meet them where they are.

I, too, love the arts. I love to perform, look out into the audience and see my friend there, cheering me on. I love to get honest, respectful feedback from someone on my latest story draft. And if those times give me the warm fuzzy feelings, I know they (probably) do the same for my artist friends as well.

So, I love to create, but perhaps even more, I love to support the creators in my life. I go to their plays as often as I can. I try to read their writing and offer feedback if needed. If I have a connection that’s useful, I try to make it work for someone else, too.

Someday, I want to have a home with artwork on the walls that my friends painted. With music in my stereo that my friends produced. With books on my shelves that my friends wrote. I want to help my artist friends get to where I know they can be. I encourage you to do the same.

Go to their plays. Read their drafts. Listen to their music. Buy their artwork. If anything, just listen to their struggles--trust me, they have them.

Or, if you don't know how to show support, just ask them what they need.

Here is a secret that I learned long ago: a lot of times, their art is just as good as the big names out there. Everyone else just doesn’t know it yet. But it’s people like you, their audience, that helps them move up in the world.

Here’s how I’ll continue to do my part: On this blog, I’ll occasionally be interviewing artists around me. I want to use my platform to give other creatives a voice, a chance to show others what they can do. We’ll see how this turns out, but I expect it will be a whole lot of fun.

If you’re an artist, know that your friends are rooting for you. Know that I’m rooting for you.

And if you’re not an artist but know people who are, then go out there and show some love. Your artist will thank you.