Art is ageless and timeless … from the cave drawings to present day art, it has a way of living on and connecting people. Art crosses age boundaries and connects generations. Art is age defying.
One of the things I enjoy most about having a studio at Second April is I get to meet and interact with people of all ages. Art connects people of all ages. I think art keeps you young because it taps into that drive we all had as children to create. It is play for adults. Many of the artists of the Studios and Annex of Second April offer classes or workshops that help you tap into your innate creativity. Just last week a private party booked the gallery and had a collage class. Lots of laughter and fun was had by those who attended.
The Annex has two studios occupied by some very talented teen artists. They as a rule open their doors during First Fridays so stop in and support them. I believe giving teens an outlet like this is invaluable and I want to encourage the kids as well as the parents any way I can.
The gallery brings in people of all ages too. Yesterday I had a young girl in my studio who came to the studios with her mom because she likes art. I got to talk with her for a few minutes and offer some encouragment. I could tell right away she was connecting to what I was saying. I told her to just keep it up and to find what pleases her when creating. With all the styles and variety of art you will never ‘please’ everyone but most art is pleasing to someone. So please yourself… whether it is a piece you buy to enjoy or you create to express yourself.
This week there have been lots of teens in the gallery putting up artwork- floor to ceiling artwork! I love seeing their work and talking with the students. I feel happy for them as they get an opportunity to showcase their creations. And I love talking with them as they talk about what they’ve created. This show featuring Jackson High School students will be up thru June First Friday.
As a society that values youth, we spend an awful lot of time buying things that advertised to keep us youthful on the outside. Why not do that which keeps you young on the inside and collect and create art?
If you believe that art galleries are stuffy, stand off-ish places with outrageous prices let me dispel that myth. Second April Art Galeries and Studios is far from stuffy or stand off-ish and they sell a variety of art that makes great gifts or home decor for reasonable prices. Some of the art is high end but they also have lower price points. One of my favorite purchases from Second April were beautiful, little pottery dishes that were for 5.00 each. I gave them out one year for teacher gifts. Everything is created by local artists so not only do you feed your creative spirit but you give back to the community.
You are so true. Here our arts community is strong but just like any place else is struggling to survive the recession. Was glad to see our local paper devote a large amount of space to the problem.
Could it be that the backbone of volunteers – the stay-at-home mom – having to now work be one of the factors? I don’t know but I would hate to think so.
Who has the answers?