Happy Art Day
April 15, 2022 – Los Angeles: Today is World Art Day. What better time to review and appreciate the basics of art. For example, what is art?
Art can be defined in many ways, but it is generally understood to be a form of expression that uses one or more of the following: color, line, shape, form, texture, and space. It can also include more intangible elements such as sound, movement, and smell.
What are the Benefits of Art?
Much can be gained from both creating and viewing art. Such benefits can be physical, mental, emotional, and social.
Mental benefits: Art can help to stimulate the mind and improve problem-solving skills. It can also help to improve memory and increase concentration. Writing would be an example, although any art would serve, including reading literature.
Emotional benefits: Art can be used as a form of self-expression. It can help to release emotions and reduce stress. It can also help to boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Any art could exemplify emotional benefits. Singing along to a favorite song can be a fast mood enhancer.
Social benefits: Art can help to build and strengthen relationships. It can also be used as a form of communication. Attending a concert, an art exhibit or a movie with friends, and discussing its impact would represent common social benefits.
Physical benefits: Art can be used as a form of physical therapy. It can help to improve coordination, flexibility, and strength. It can also help to increase stamina and reduce stress. Dance would be a notable example here.
How to Get Involved in the Arts
Some people choose to study art, while others may prefer to simply enjoy and appreciate art.
Those who wish to study art can do so by taking classes at a local community college or university. There are also many private art schools and tutors that offer classes for both children and adults. Furthermore, those who wish to study art can join an art club or participate in art festivals.
Those who prefer to simply enjoy and appreciate art can do so by attending art exhibitions, concerts, and plays. They can also purchase art, or simply enjoy and appreciate art in their everyday lives.
Mail Art
Mail Art is a global artistic movement centered on sending small-scale artworks through the postal service.
Media commonly used in Mail Art includes postcards, paper, rubber stamps, artist-created stamps, photography and paint, but can also include music, sound art, poetry, or anything that can be put in an envelope and sent via global postal services, such as a collage of recycled images and objects.
Mail art is considered art once it is sent and anyone can participate.
Today is also the deadline for the 2022 AFABW Int Worldwide Call for Mail Art, which was announced last year. Stay tuned for examples from this year’s submissions in the coming weeks and months.
Visit the following link for examples of mail art.