"With schools cutting back on art programs and teachers, it is more important than ever that the arts be emphasized in the community," said Nancy Gray, local artist and president of Lampasas Association for the Arts.

To that end, LAFTA's role in this weekend's Herb & Art Fest will tie in well with the October designation of National Arts and Humanities Month.

Ms. Gray said keeping children interested in art is the responsibility of every community member.

"Ask yourself, 'How do I put art in my kids' lives?'"

The Lampasas artist and consultant said there are a variety of ways to pique kids' interest and keep them engaged in art.

Some suggestions include:

• giving children paper and pencil or crayons to express themselves.

• teaching your child songs and singing them together.

• having pictures and books available for them to enjoy and value. Local libraries are a good source for books at no cost, Ms. Gray said.

• practicing photography, beginning with a disposable camera.

• reading and writing poems.

• offering your talents to community organizations that work with children in music, theater, dance or visual arts.

"Putting them in art classes and taking them to museums are great ways to get them interested," Ms. Gray said. "We live in such a great place. We are within three hours of major cities with art-centered attractions for kids. There are all kinds of museums for art and science. Take the kids."

Ms. Gray said drama classes are another way to get youth into the arts. "Though there aren't any classes here, there are some in Killeen. I would love to see a community theater get started here again."

Art is important, she said. "It helps organize a child's brain. Start them young. Even if they are just scribbling on paper. That is the beginning of art and writing, and it helps them think more logically and creatively, as well as outside the box."

Ms. Gray said statistics show the more creative a child is, the better and higher-paying job he or she will secure as an adult. Figures show those with high levels of arts learning experiences earned higher grades and scored better on standardized tests than those with little or no involvement in the arts, regardless of socioeconomic status.

"Having a big imagination is the key," she said. "As soon as a child feels like he is encouraged to express his imagination, the better off he is."

Ms. Gray said one can't underestimate the importance of art in a community. "Arts challenge individuals to think broadly, to attempt the new and to take risks."

Arts also contribute to a community's quality of life, she said, and provide an array of employment opportunities that range from software development to advertising designers.

"It is clear that arts serve a public purpose. It is what gets curiosity flowing; it encourages play; it encourages creative thinking. Art can affect people, and it gets them talking to each other."