Seasonal & Holidays
Lockport Resident Grateful For The Arts And Creative Expression
Emily Miller-Amato shares how music, crafts and creative projects helped her navigate a challenging year and reconnect with herself.
Lockport, IL — Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and reflect on what brings us joy — from family and friends to meaningful traditions and everyday moments. This year, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to spotlight the thankful moments that bring our communities together.
Here’s what Emily Miller-Amato in Lockport shared. Want to tell us what you’re thankful for? It could be a person, a tradition, or even a small everyday joy — just answer a few questions, and let your community know what matters most to you this year.
What are you most thankful for this year?
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The arts and creative outlets.
Why does this mean so much to you?
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Without creative outlets, existence would be dreary and lifeless. If I didn’t have at least a few crafts and music or theatre projects, I’d likely lose my mind.
How has this made a difference in your 2025?
I found refuge in the arts as I always do when I became worried about socio-political turmoil. Then just recently, I’ve had to go without singing (my most important outlet) due to vocal injury. I’m finally bouncing back and will be able to sing again soon. So thankful that I will have that back soon!
What do you wish others knew about what you’re thankful for?
Making something new from your own creative choices is a necessary function of the human mind, not just for people who are ‘good at it.’ So often people are scared to make art because they’re afraid it will be bad, but it can be mediocre and still be worthwhile and healing for your soul. Individuals are all unique, and whatever art they make is also unique. No one else in the entire universe can make the same art as them. No one will ever paint the exact same painting, sing the exact same song in exactly the same way, perform a play in exactly the same way, dance the exact same way. In fact, each time someone makes a piece of art, it’s unique. You can’t make the same piece of art twice because there will always be variables that change, and that’s wonderful!
What are you thankful for this year — a business, a community organization, a place, or a person who’s made a difference? We want to hear from you! Click here to answer a few questions, and your response could be featured on Patch.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
