ARTS and CRAFTS

"Although sometimes questioned, the survival value of art, music, literature, games, and other activities not tied to the serious business of life is clear enough. A culture must positively reinforce the behavior of those who support it and must avoid creating negative reinforcers from which its members will escape through defection. A world which has been made beautiful and exciting by artists, composers, writers, and performers is as important for survival as one which satisfies biological needs."

Skinner, 1948. Walden Two, p. xiii

Los Horcones community, promotes the artistic and creative expression of its members through arts and crafts. In a Walden two community, art expressions are outside of the traditional standards and free of consummerist and elitist influences. In such environment, innovative and alternative expressions may flourish.

We are oriented towards the integration of painting, dancing, drama, poetry and literature, sculpting, ceramics, music playing and composing, film making and photography,etc., to our daily lives. Wood carving, ornamental welding and blacksmithing, embroidery, knitting, sewing, leather work, and other types of crafts are also activities members enjoy in their leisure time.

We undoubtedly value the fine arts and artistic handiwork. However, over these years and due to our small population, members have had less possibilities to engage in artistic work because of more demanding priorities for the survival and development of the community. In general, time devoted to explore artistry has been reduced.

It is important to mention that no professional artists have ever lived in the community. In such a case the community would grant them the time needed to make art.

Presently there is a musical group forming. Some time ago there were community members who played an instrument, sing, dance, act, compose music, etc. We once formed a group of modern music, wrote our own songs.

Art in Walden Two is for all people not just for an elite.

Frequent questions related to this theme.

1. Can I live in the community and devote all my time to art?

Under our present conditions, if your art, besides producing satisfaction also produces some income, it is very likely you can spend a great part of your time to art. However, we would like to be a society in which art its valued in itself not based on its commercialization. This is one of the many reason we want to grow in population.

At this moment that we are not many members, we do not expect artists to come and live here, because of there are little possibilities for them to devote all their time to art. Although often artists are attracted to the type of life the community offers, which undoubtedly has a positive effect on creativity.

Presently, the community expect all its members whether they are artists or not, to be interested in the development of this communitarian society. Thus you as an artist will also be expected to participate in other aspects of our life in community. This means to participate at least partly in community work, in the organization by attending meetings or coordinating an area, in the social life by interacting with the members and participating in the educational and are recreational activities.

If you are an artist and you want to live here, we can make some arrangements so you can devote more time. to art

Questions or comments to:

Last up-date: Feb 2002

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