Many years ago in January, when I was a young writing student, a professor took me and a few classmates to an antique shop. The challenge was to find something that captured the imagination. A triggering subject, he called it.
There may have been some priceless furnishings on site, but this ‘shop’ could be more accurately described as a large barn overflowing with curiosities, crafts and stories. Throughout the room were old dolls with limbs missing or broken eyes, bears on horseback, fishermen, bobcats, wagon wheels, farm implements, mannequins, stone tools and sculptures. It was easy to get lost.
A box of used postcards sat in a glass display case near an old register. We spent an hour exploring Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Devil’s Tower and 100 other landmarks around the country. Most often, these cards were mailed to loved ones in his 1950s and his 1960s. On the back of each was a short handwritten note, a story, or a simple sentiment of longing. sparked my imagination and provided me with a clear vision for the task at hand. (In this case, I’m writing an unpublished short story.)
Often, at the beginning of the new year, I am reminded of this imaginative thought exercise, of the antique barn, of the need to find a subject that will inspire me for the next twelve years. Moon. Of course, it is common to set resolutions and goals in the new year, turn the pages of the old year, and enter the next with renewed purpose and fighting spirit. So this is essential business.
I’m not talking about budgets, KPIs, or grant rubrics. Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe that you need to look at everything you’ve accomplished in the past year, analyze your activities, and evaluate how you’re performing against your financial and other goals. I believe in , but January seems to be correct. It’s time to find your trigger subject, shape that story, and imagine the year ahead so you can move forward with a clear vision. Done right, annual budgets and strategic plans are like postcard boxes. So it’s a starting point and a prompt for stories told throughout the year.
Fortunately for nonprofits like Ucross, the triggering theme is often the mission of the organization. In our case, next year’s story is also related to the five-year vision and his 40th anniversary. We’ve been anticipating this for years as we imagine how this anniversary will play out. It maintains its role as an arts and sciences center, focused on providing relevant and meaningful programs to artists and communities, and celebrating Wyoming’s contributions to the nation’s arts and culture.
See yourself as part of our story and support the events and activities that interest you in 2023. One of the country’s most beloved and respected poets. (For tickets, see the WYO website.) Alternatively, a field guide, an upcoming exhibition at the Ucross Art Gallery (opening February 21), or Founders Day (June), Ucross You may be interested in special events such as Festival (August). Or the 40th Anniversary Gala at Ucross (Autumn).
January is full of promises. To celebrate 2023, I hope you can welcome 2023.
