INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS DAY – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2009
by Marilyn Hurst

October 25th 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 25th, Picassos’ birthday. Why this artist and not another was more a matter recent contribution. 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. 25th can give us a reason to participate in the arts personally.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.

Treat your favorite Artist to lunch or dinner!

International Artist Day – Canada 2008 – image credit from their website.

International Artist Day – Spain 2008 – image credit from their website

SEE MORE, READ MORE on their website
International Artist Day Website - http://www.internationalartistday.com/

A special day every Oct 25th worldwide to honour artists!

Images: Crinoline Flowers by Daryl Banks / www.darylbanks.com

Daryl Banks Photography  -  Toronto, Ontario, Canada

CLICK HERE to view all the images in Daryl’s amazing series!

image from Art & Science Collaborations, Inc website

Above are just a few of the winning entries from the Digital09 – Mysteries in Science competition. Congratulations to all the winning artists!! To view the artworks and read the artist statements online, click here.

ASCI’S 11th International Digital Print Exhibition
at the New York Hall of Science
October 3, 2009 – January 31, 2010
Organized by Art & Science Collaborations, Inc.

Your channel to the art world – NewArtTV

www.newarttv.com is produced by NewArtTV, Inc. a media and production company based in New York City with a focus on producing premium video content on contemporary art. The creator of NewArtTV is Robert Knafo, art critic/independent curator and the producer of studiovisit.net.

I really enjoyed viewing a selection of informative videos, it’s a great website with awesome content!!

Polkadot Mat ©2009 Carol Cooper

Continuing with  Polkadots this week, here’s a bubble image in a Polkadot mat w/ frame.