Art lives in the heart of every person. It survived throughout the ages because it is indispensable. One paints, photographs, sculpts, or recites the world the way one sees it, using a language to capture emotions, romance, passion, prayer. The artist, no matter how humbly, explores a deeper relationship with the physical world of objects.

This is a seductive world where even the meekest of objects is emotionally charged, the place where the most trivial, inanimate things are integrated into a special world. That is art’s space. The artist explores this space and translates it using brilliantly symbolic idioms.

The APA Art Association is the conduit that allows APA members and their spouses or partners to emancipate those inhibited feelings, to relish in the maze of the unconscious where one is free to dance, sing, yell, roar, laugh, or cry—where one experiences love, sorrow, passion, and distress. We urge APA members and their spouses or partners to let their creations speak out in the form of a poem, painting, photo, or sculpture. The annual membership dues of $20 entitles each member to enter two art pieces free. The fee to enter additional works is $5 each, with a maximum of six. Entry forms and dues must be submitted prior to May 5. Late entries will be accepted only if space permits.

More information is available by contacting William A. Alvarez, M.D., P.O. Box 14449 Long Beach, CA 90853-4449; fax: (562) 498-6712; e-mail: seigle@webtv.net.

Dr. Alvarez is president of the APA Art Association.