Recently, very recently, I graduated from college. I reached the end of the long road of academic toil, and felt like collapsing at the doorstep. Only trouble was, I still don’t know to what this door belongs. And, in this day and age, it seems I’m not alone in this.

Some people are smart enough to know just what they want to do when they’re in high school. They draw up a plan, mapping out each class they’ll take over the next four or more years, and take each step necessary to reach that sacred sheepskin.
Then again, there are those of us that kind of tripped and stumbled like we were intoxicated in the dark until we feel our way to ... something that tells us we don’t have to go to school anymore. That is to say, we’re aimless, often gravitating towards something vaguely or directly artistic, and sure don’t know what to do with ourselves when the time comes.

So what happens to us right-brained people who chose art because it’s far more interesting to us than business or science, yet are far less likely to find work because in our fields? What do those who like to paint, sculpt, craft, shoot pictures, write, or shoot their own movies do with ourselves when we’re all done?

Well, going into the big leagues is always an elusive option, and that’s certainly a doorway to keep one’s eyes on. But aside from raw talent, much of that road is paved with connections, timing, and — it must be said — ass-kissing. Ugh, too complicated? You want to get your stuff out there so people can see it and so you can touch their souls and consequently feel good about yourself?

That’s a coincidence, because Vancouver needs you.

The city, ever cast in the shadow of its neighbor to the south, is starting to bud artistically. It’s working to find a cultural identity to distinguish it from Portland. This is where you come in: all ye recent graduates of Washington State University or Clark (or current students or non-students ... whichever), now is the time to enrich Vancouver with your expressions, whatever they may be.

That’s right, get your stuff out there. Not only does it expand the menu of what we the art-lovers can enjoy, but it also contributes to Vancouver’s community of artists. And for you, well, there’s the obvious result that your work would be out for people to see, weigh and judge. Whoa, what was that last part? Does that sound a little intimidating? Well what makes an artist grow better, after all, than the need to outshine the next guy? Like everything, the art world operates on survival of the fittest, and the weakest are those without the guts to present what they’ve got.

Where to go obviously depends on your medium, but a good place to start is www.guerrilla-media.com, a locally-run site that serves as a community for artists and that organizes showings and events. Otherwise, just ask your old professors about what avenues are available to you.

But first and foremost, get out there and see what other people are doing. While Vancouver is eager for your art, it first needs someone to observe the art. Plus, it’s always good to and see what your fellow artists are up to and gage the color of the scene.

The enjoyment and the creation of art is crucial to the identity of a developing community. Artists, as a friend of mine recently put it, are the vanguards of society. They make a culture into something more than an economic system of people; they turn it into something wondrous, unique, vibrant and distinctly human. Vancouver could certainly use some upgrading, and you’re the ones to do it. Vancouver needs its definition, and so do you. Now get out there.

Adam Stewart is a cultural go-getter and Arts & Culture writer for The Voice.