*INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS DAY Oct 25th 2010

 

*by Marilyn Hurst*

 

 

*October 25^th is International Artists Day and it's gaining support

worldwide. This grassroots movement is not mainstream as yet but artists

and galleries in communities everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon.

Perhaps an overview is needed to explain the concept. *

 

*Artists are a much ignored group although almost anything you use day

to day has an artistic design at its root. Throughout history art has

been the most important defining characterization of a culture or

people. Art survives personalities, dynasties, movements and

civilizations. Artists are pioneers and are usually at the forefront of

changing times and events. We might well ask why.*

 

*True art is timeless and universal and recognizable to all. Where does

the inspiration for art come from? What makes some art priceless and

other art mediocre? The artist themselves are the lynch pins. Art that

is inspired comes from the “unexplainable” and is translated by the

artist. If the artist is “tuned into” this area of consciousness,

masterpiece works in painting, sculpture, music or prose can manifest.

There are thousands in the arts over the centuries of this magnitude,

they are natural conduits and are household names because of the

recognition of their contribution to culture and humanity. *

 

*The day chosen to honor artists worldwide is October 25^th ,

coincidently Picassos' birthday. Why this day and not another was more a

matter of selecting a artist. Picasso was instrumental in bringing art

to the masses more than any other artist up to that time. Picasso is the

iconic artist personified.*

 

*Now more than ever it is important to focus on art and culture.

Mainstream television, globalization and the Internet are wiring

everyone up to the lowest common denominator. True living requires

atunement to our common humanity which is accessed through inspiration

and the arts. By giving our attention to artists, we have the

opportunity for one day to focus on what is eternal and timeless in our

civilization. Just as Remembrance Day is important for the pausing to

reflect, Oct. 25^th can give us a reason to participate in the arts

personally.*

 

*Visit a gallery, attend an art show, take an artist to lunch or visit

his studio are a just few ways to stop and remember the artist. Talk to

your kids about art, even if you don't think you know much about art, to

help instill some interest in art with them. If you're like most people,

you didn't grow up with art as an important aspect of living, but “the

buck stops here” when it comes to your kids and we need to take more of

an interest for their sakes. *

 

 

*Thank you Marilyn Hurst, Chris MacClure*