The Importance of Being Artist

Sometimes the world can be a bit scary.  I mean...really... Russian meteors and fiscal cliffs can really put one in a funk. Unfortunately it's when times are tough that one of the biggest casualties is the Arts and Arts education. Art is often perceived as a luxury item and in school it has become an elective that has little or no value in the harsh pragmatic "real world". Well, let me just say, art is one of the wonders of the universe that make the "real world" something spectacular. Art is a mysterious force. I don't understand it's power...but I do know that it is capable of reaching parts of my soul that nothing else can. It is a way of communicating that speaks beyond our world of atoms and molecules.

It is because of this, I plead to you, don't forget your artists.  Don't forget them because when things seems dim they can bring enlightenment through music and art. Currently it is a tough time for the arts.  Many artists are struggling to survive, in fact many well known artists are having difficulty making a go of it.  I understand, after all, the recession hit everyone and everyone is a bit edgy.  What I'm saying is this:  Support the arts in whatever way you can. If can't afford it monetarily then do it in enthusiasm and promotion.  Trust me when I say that we don't want the arts to fade away. We all will gain when the world is filled with the magic of creativity.  

Here are a few suggestions.  

1. Buy original art- if you can afford it buying an original piece of art is a great investment in culture.   When giving gifts, original art can be a treat, now matter how much or how little you spend.
2. Go see live music or plays- it always amazes me how little local bands get paid.  So if you have a place to listen to music…don't wince at the cover charge.  It's for a good cause.  Also if you see a street musician...drop some moolah in the hat.
3. Take a workshop- many artists make a portion of there living teaching (me included).  There are a number of places around the globe and a tremendous amount of talented folks sharing knowledge.  
4. Support local festivals and events - many cities have local events that involve artists and performers.  
5. Education - the arts grow if people understand the importance of art from the get go.  So make sure you share this with your kids.  It's easy for the arts to get pushed aside.  If you are an artist consider contacting local schools.  Many art teachers would love to have an artist come and talk to there class.
6. Hire a Band - having a party?  Local musicians rock!
7. Make Art - Not everyone has to be a professional artist, but everyone needs a dose of creativity to reset and get them through the grind.  I can't tell you how many folks I run into take classes to reboot and refresh.  Art is one of those things that helps us connect with ourselves as well as others on the planet...and that seems like a pretty worthwhile thing to do.
8. Experience Lots of Different Art - Lots of ideas and lots of good stuff out there.  You never know what might be a source of enlightenment or inspiration.  
9. Visit Galleries and Museums - Many places have gallery nights and walks.  Make sure you check out what's happening locally.  Also not a bad idea to become a member at museums you like.  
10. Abandon Art - a growing number of artists of all levels are creating art for the sole purpose of abandonment. The purpose is to create art and offer it up to folks without any expectation other than adding beauty to the world.
11. Talk-Blog-Share-Talk Some More -  tell everyone  you know about artists you like.  It's a big world but sometimes artists need a bit of help finding their audience.  

So let me leave you with of list of places that have supported me through out the years so in turn I want to support them.    The following places are stores, organizations and events that have worked hard to keep creativity alive, so if you can, help keep 'em going.   This is just my list...and is certainly not all inclusive.  It is just my way of saying thanks for all that you do for the community and artists like myself.  

• Teesha and Tracy Moore - after many years of running ArtFest Teesha and Tracy are taking a break and doing there own thing.  Thanks to them for starting an amazing trend in art education.

• Art Unraveled - who in the world could imagine going to Scottsdale in the summer could be so much fun.  Linda, you turned a desert into an oasis.  

• Valley Ridge Art Studio - one of the most magical places to take a workshop and the host is one of my dearest friends. Thank you Katherine for opening your home to so many artists and art lovers.

• Art-Is-You. Sal and Ellen are somewhat new to the scene but over the coarse of a few years their kind hearts help keep creativity flowing from coast to coast...and yes...to coast.

• Artists Nook - my buddy Christine has put her store and workshops on hold for the time being but someday I hope that she will be able to get things going again.  Thanks for many years of hard work.

• Absolutely Everything - Kate has absolutely everything in her store, including instructors from around the world.  Stop in and see her - if you make art I'm sure she has it.

• Idyllwild Arts - Up in the mountains above Palm Desert is the beautiful mountain town of Idyllwild.  In this little community is one of my favourite places to come and instruct.  A full facility for everything from pottery to jewelry making to painting to poetry.  Plus a wonderful gallery for instructors to display their work.  

• Upstart Crow - Megan has been a pal long before I moved up to her neck of the woods in the Vancouver area.  She has a wonderful store representing a variety of artists and instructors....and she's expanding...O' Canada!

• Random Arts - I've been teaching for Jane...well for a long time now.  Now days it's like coming home and seeing family.  Over the years I have become good friends with not only Jane and her husband Paul but with many many students I look forward to seeing annually in the lush green North Carolina hills.

• Small Studios - Ginny Carter Smallenburg is an icon.  Many may remember her from Art Continuum...well now she and her husband John have a store in the Cleveland area selling goodies and bringing artists in to teach.  She also knows where to get mean Margaritas.  

• Zinnia - many folks were totally bummed out by the recent closing of this one of a kind shop in Southern California.  Fear not friends...the store may be gone but Tam is back...bringing artists into the area to teach.

• Collage - I love coming to Portland, thankfully my friend Maria has great place to teach and a great place to buy goodies...and you never know what's going to roll by when your at her Alberta St. location...ie nude bicyclists...true story.

• My buddy Colleen Darling - she and I have been doing Day of the Dead workshops in Mexico for quite a while now.  Now we are looking at expanding into other areas in Latin America...starting with Mexico City.  She is one of the best-est people on the planet and it has been a treat working with her to share the magic of Mexican culture with folks.  You rock Colleen!

• Art Clinic - I've only taught here once but Syd and Carol do a great job offering classes and artful experiences to the most Danish town in California.  

• Missoula Art Museum - if you live in Western Montana, as I did for many years, and you want to find everything from inspiring exhibits, lectures, and performance art, the MAM is where it's happening.

• Artisans on Taylor - I've been exhibiting at AOT for many years now.  First with Theresa and now with the current owner Anna.  She's working hard bringing artists to Port Townsend WA...and now she's got a new plan...Arteology Workshops.    Make some art, buy some art...she'll hook you up.

• Nouvelle Lune - this is a great gallery that I have been working with for about a year now.  Linda has be tireless in promoting new and emerging artists in the New Orleans area.

• M.E.C.C.A - Material Exchange Center for Community Arts - this is a great organization that I've been fortunate enough to have worked with.  Not only do they offer a variety of classes but their emphasis is recycling for the purpose of creating Art.

 I encourage you to add links of people or places that are friends to the arts in the comment section.  

The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.

-Pablo Picasso