Friday, July 24, 2009

The State of the Arts

July, 09
The State of the Arts

With the recession crisis still looming and taking a heavy toll on government and non government budgets, art programs are seeing significant cuts in funding.
Art museums, performing arts organizations, gallery’s selling visual arts crafts and sculpture and the individual artists creating the art pieces to be sold are all experiencing the financial crunch.

Often times art budgets are subject to deep cuts with arts music and humanities programs being viewed more as luxury than necessity and cut first.

Throughout postings to this blog I will include references to the crutial and healthy social and educational benefits of the arts.

The good news is that amidst the socioeconomic crisis affecting cultures world wide their has never been a more important time to become involved with the arts. The opportunities for doing so are simple, cost little or nothing and can provide life long benefits. I invite you to follow this blog and also my other blog “An Easel a Brush and the Bus”, an example of how I am using art for low cost outdoor recreation.
http://easelbrushbus.blogspot.com/

The fundamental behind my teachings and the purpose of this blog is to exemplify the benefits of participating in the arts. My focus is on guiding individuals in pursuing creating art as a life enriching activity.

A considerable amount of energy will be directed to helping non artists in becoming familiar with the visual arts. And the enjoyable and beneficial social aspects of working with other artists.

The classes I teach are open work sessions that include artists with varying skill levels and abilities. The emphasis is on the enjoyment of the creative process.
A variety of mediums are demonstrated and used to assist students with developing creative and technical skills.