Finding Meaning in Life through Art—Have you ever wondered what the purpose of your life is? How to make sense of the seemingly random things that happen? Questions like these can keep us up late and make us feel unsettled as we move through our daily routines. Bizarre events can throw us out of balance, […]
The Power of Art: Recovering from Trauma—We think of art as a peaceful occupation, but its power to heal a traumatized mind is revealed in the wake of war. The U.N. estimates 95,000 children have sought refuge in Lebanon, having fled to escape the ongoing tragedy in Syria. Traumatized by the conflict, they suffer insomnia […]
Have you noticed an uptick in our local art scene? From formal galleries to coffee shop displays and more, art is everywhere in Jacksonville.
CAMMY DAVIS—Artist and art advocate Cammy Davis, creator of the Jacksonville Review town map, is one of the artists in the community helping make the arts scene more vibrant. Cammy, a Jacksonville […]
Prints vs. Originals—The question of whether to buy original art work or giclées (prints made with inks that won’t fade for 100 years, usually on acid-free paper) for your home is one worth considering. The debate usually centers on the higher cost of original art. Art Presence founder Anne Brooke’s opinion is that buying original […]
Express Yourself!—Creative self-expression is a part of life most of us treasure, whether it’s drawing, cooking, or gardening, or attending dance classes, plays or concerts. Most people enjoy doing creative things because it provides opportunities to connect with friends and family, meet new people, and broaden one’s horizons. Those challenged to find time to express […]
Art Helps Children Learn and Their Brains Develop–—Art has been associated with expanding the intellect since the time of Plato, but the benefits of art on the brain can now be measured scientifically. Recent studies show that practicing executive function activities like drawing significantly improves core skills like reasoning and teamwork in children ages 3–5. […]
Art Brings Hope—Studies show art therapy helps give back to Alzheimer’s patients what the disease has taken away. Creating and appreciating art stimulates the senses, creates new pathways to “lost” memories, and encourages conversation. Alzheimer’s patients, even if nonverbal, can use it as a form of expression, restoring communication with relatives already mourning the “loss” […]
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts Reason #1: “Arts promote true prosperity. The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts help us express our values, build bridges between cultures, and bring us together regardless of ethnicity, […]
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts Reason #2: “Arts improve academic performance. Students with an education rich in the arts have higher GPAs and standardized test scores, and lower dropout rates—benefits reaped by students regardless of socioeconomic status. Students with 4 years of arts or music […]
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts Reason #3: “Arts strengthen the economy. In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the arts and culture sector represents 3.25% of the nation’s GDP—a larger share of the […]
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts Reason #4: “Arts are good for local merchants. Attendees at nonprofit arts events spend an average of $24.60 per person per event—beyond the cost of admission—on items such as meals, parking, […]
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts, Reason #5: “Arts drive tourism. Arts travelers are ideal tourists, staying longer and spending more to seek-out authentic cultural experiences. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that the percentage of international travelers, including museum […]
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts, Reason #6: “Arts are an export industry: U.S. exports of arts goods (e.g., movies, paintings, jewelry) grew to $72 billion in 2011, while imports were just $25 billion—a $47 billion arts trade surplus.”
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts—Reason #7: “Arts spark creativity and innovation: The Conference Board reports that creativity is among the top five applied skills sought by business leaders—with 72% saying creativity is of high importance when […]
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts Reason #8: Arts have social impact. University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, better overall child welfare, and lower poverty rates. A vibrant […]
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) compiled a compelling list of Ten Reasons to Support the Arts, backed by research studies proving that the value of art goes beyond decorating empty walls! Reason #9: “Arts improve healthcare. Nearly one-half of the nation’s healthcare […]