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I heard an interesting comment from one of our customers a couple of months ago that I would like to share with you. I had just invited her to an upcoming artist reception and she replied that she was concerned that she would feel uncomfortable, because she didn’t think that she knew enough about art to attend an artist reception.

This got me to wondering how many others pass through our gallery feeling the same way? Or worse, how many don’t come in at all because they fear that they will feel out of place? Her remark reminded me of the individual that puts off joining the local health club until after they get in better shape. I asked her if she had seen the movie What about Bob. When she said she had, I reminded her about Bill Murray’s character and the need to just take baby steps at first.

To enjoy art, is it really that necessary to have taken art history courses, to have visited some of the great European museums or to be or have been involved in creating something yourself? While these experiences may give you a head start, they certainly are not required to enjoy what someone else has created, today.

And don’t stress over not knowing how it was created. Do you know how your house was built, how your car was assembled or how your clothes were made? And you certainly don’t want to know what’s in that double dip Gelato now do you? All that really matters is that you were drawn to it, you liked it and it made you feel good.

So, that’s all I’m saying: take a few art baby steps, ask a few questions and when it makes you feel good, take some home. Art has no cholesterol and is 100% fat and calorie free, so you can put off joining that health club a little longer and feel good about buying some art, for yourself, today! (Oh and by the way, the customer that I mentioned earlier, she decided that she would like to attend the artist reception after all.)

Thanks for stopping by and have a creative day……..Jim

Can it get any better than this? Everyday I am blessed to be surrounded by beauty, a beauty that displays and expresses the creative energy of eighteen extremely talented local and national artists.

Frequently I will arrive at the gallery with some level of stress, sometimes it is a cognitive awareness and sometimes not. All the usual stuff; didn’t sleep well, burnt the toast, spilled coffee on my last ironed shirt, car started making a weird noise, stopped by a train and finding a parking spot was impossible. And don’t get me started about always watching the gas gauge and the cost to fill up the tank. After I arrive at the gallery it doesn’t take long for all of this to dissipate as the sights, sounds, aroma and textures of the gallery start to apply their innate healing powers.

And it’s not just me that feels this. We have customers that stop by frequently to just, as they put it,  “to relax and detox”  -  and all without an office visit and or a prescription. Last fall I read an article that went on to suggest what technically makes a piece of art “good.” But I wish to address the other side, the emotional side. How does the artwork make you feel? Do you feel drawn into it? Does it make you feel excited and full of energy? Does it make you feel peaceful and relaxed? Or does it make you stop and ponder what the artist is communicating? Good art should make you feel something every time you look at it. Otherwise it just becomes wallpaper. The true value of art should be in how it affects you emotionally, physically, spiritually and not for monetary gain. Invest in yourself first and your financial portfolio last. If your purchase should increase in value, then you have just received an additional blessing.

Could you use some stress relief in your life? Could your home and or work environment use some help to liven it up or calm it down, or is it just time for a décor/life renewal? Life is finite, enhance your life and make art an essential element in its quality.

What does it take to make the Connection between art and you? What makes you stop to, admire, explore and purchase art for yourself, or someone else? Drop me a line, I would enjoy hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by & make it a creatively great day……..Jim