I am not an artist. But I do take great pleasure in incorporating art into my life whether it be exposure in a formal space such as a museum or gallery or in a performance venue such as a theater or club. If I am in a car or on a walk watching the landscape or see the work of business or the imprint of cultural that reveal design or tradition, I find art to be appealing, enlightening, and always informative. It adds feeling and texture to my existence and makes me think beyond myself and my individual needs and wants.
Having worked in the human services field for many years and finally landing in an arts agency serving students and artists with disabilities, I am constantly fulfilled by the varied, often exciting creations of visual art that line the walls of our studio and gallery, and in the incoming submissions of artwork from artists across the state. My day is always more complete when I am stimulated by works of art, when colors, shapes, styles and forms come streaming across my daily palate in ways that make me think and feel. I am always the better for it.
These past many months of economic instability have hit the arts community along with other sectors, hard and fast. Arts Unbound is lucky to be alive as an organization, having received support from foundations and donors who are committed to keeping us in business. To them all, we are extremely grateful. Many nonprofit agencies, particularly the small ones like us, are no longer in existence or struggling mightily, and arts organizations throughout the country have had to cut back with staff reductions and scaled back or cancelled exhibitions and performances.
The art world is diminishing even as we need it more.
All of this has prompted me to write this month’s blog, as we enter the holiday season, about the importance of art, not just as a another type of product that we are seeing less of, but as a sustaining force in the lives of people that keep societies aware, fulfilled and educated. The art form will always be with us in some manner because people are creatures of expression and creativity, however it is disconcerting to see the arts threatened during an economic downturn. During hard times the arts are considered by some to be expendable and not central to the needs of society. If one were to take this trend to an extreme and contemplate the very worst – a world without art – well, that is a frightening and deeply depressing thought.
I invite readers of this blog – whether you are an artist, art enthusiast, student or teacher of the arts, marketer of the arts, even a person who doesn’t enjoy the arts – to submit your comments, pictures and ideas and to answer the basic question…. What do the arts mean to you?
Let us see where this goes… Season’s Greetings.
Gail Levinson
Director, Arts Unbound
The arts mean everything to me. I am not an artist but I am an avid collector of art. I would not be able to live in my home if I were not surrounded by all kinds of art. My mother was an art collector. I have always been surrounded by art work and I have a real appreciation for works of art and the Arts in general. Art is that which enriches the soul. I believe that if there were more art in the world and required in all public spaces we would all be in a better place.
Karen Jeffries Wells
Comment by Karen Wells — November 29, 2009 @ 11:29 AM
I am an artist with MS and I thank God for the day I found Arts Unbound. Art is healing. Art heals in so very many ways. When I am painting I am not thinking about MS.I am listening to music and freeing my soul .I am healing . ART is my medicine . Support the Art’s .Thank-you Nicolena Nina
Comment by Nicolena Nina Palumbo — November 29, 2009 @ 12:16 PM
I agree that it is disappointing to see support of the arts dwind;ing. I thinnk people should consider disabled artists as an increasingly important part of, not only our own personal growth, but as a potent force in the growth of our society as a culture.
What a lot of people seem to overlooking is the impact of art on the individual. For me, the encouragement of Arts Unbound has had a profound impact on my own personal growth.
Although I had beecome involved with art previously, the encouragement and support of Arts Unbound has helped me with self-esteem and confidence. I am fortunate to have had two supportive parents to help me, and I hope that parents can appreciate what involvement in the arts can do for their childre’ns growth, in terms not only it terms of learning useful skills, but in terms of learning to appreciate themselves.
I sincerely hope that Arts Unbound continues as a functioning organization. It is so important! People may be more able to help than they think they can. Many small donations can count just as much as large gifts, and involves individual responsability, too.
Comment by amy charmatz — November 29, 2009 @ 1:01 PM
Art is inspiring. Art is more than visual.. it is emotional. Art allows anyone to become much greater in how they view themselves and in how others percieve them. Art changes constantly depending on the perception of the audience… it is dynamic.
Arts Unbound allows people to reach inside and express visions of the world for others to see.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Anne Sabin
Comment by Anne — November 29, 2009 @ 7:23 PM
Gail has presented two distinct views of our current reality. We all know what art means to us aesthetically, emotionally, essentially. What we need now is to approach at least one person who sends us holiday gifts annually and request that they convert “things” to support for an organization that meets the needs of many, ARTS UNBOUND. It’s a win-win for all involved – and you’ll feel a whole lot better about the spirit of giving.
Comment by Len Bornstein — November 29, 2009 @ 9:28 PM
Art requires nourishment, stimulation and support. It doesn’t easily happen in a vacuum. Thanks to studios and spaces like Arts Unbound. A great way to celebrate the holiday season- by giving a gift of art rather than another gadget. Provide an artist with the freedom to continue to create and then be able to enjoy those works on your wall. I agree with Lenny- it is a win/win situation and we need to both support and enjoy art now more than ever.
Comment by Jodie Levinson — November 30, 2009 @ 12:15 AM
“The arts” mean different things to different people. To some “the arts” is music to others a medium such as painting or sculpture, or dance to name a few.
I also am not an artist but I admire those who have the talents and abilities to create and bring enjoyment to others. We have purchased different pieces; some paintings, pen and ink drawings, etc. and everytime I look at a piece it reminds me of a place, a time, an event and that makes me smile. The Arts is a good feeling that can be enjoyed over and over.
I am also amazed at the talent that is developed by the ever changing media to creat…such as computer software. Just look at what Christian Markovic does; not just the artwork but the company he created. The Arts is also what it does for the artist…a seed to be an entrepreneur, a self started, to grow and develop. Seems to me we all have a piece of The Arts and it affects us differently.
Comment by Lorne Hargis — November 30, 2009 @ 6:05 PM
I wish more people would come to the Arts Unbound opening receptions. The sight of our artists seeing their work professionally hung in a beautiful gallery, many for the first time, is so moving. Some have never had such recognition. They see people looking at their work in admiration. Often people will ask them questions about the pieces, why & how they created them. And they just seem to be floating. And, of course, when they sell a piece, that is the topper.
Comment by Kathleen Heron — December 22, 2009 @ 6:13 PM