I wrote this today for the Arts and Science Council's blog about my experience during Arts Advocacy Day:

As an artist, I am aware of the importance of the arts to motivate and enlight the community. This is perhaps why Eli Broad famously quoted "Civilizations are not remembered by their business people, their bankers or lawyers. They are remembered by the arts". That is why I didn't hesitate to join other activists and go to Arts Day in Raleigh, NC, to advocate for the arts. 

It was my first time at the legislative building and I didn't know what expect. Among other activities, I was assigned to talk to a congressman and a senator, and I had no appointments. To my surprise, the doors of the representatives were opened. They received me within few minutes, were very courteous, and listened carefully to my message: to communicate through my own experiences why it is important to support this wonderful way of human expression. Literally it was democracy in action. It was definitely a great experience to me.