5 Easy Ways to Make 2018 Your “Year of Art”
VIP guest studies a Yaacov Agam work at the opening of the renovated Park West Museum, 2017.
Do you have a New Year’s resolution yet? There are the standard goals—weight loss, less screen time, finally writing that novel—or you can break the cycle and try something new for 2018. Why not resolve to make 2018 your own personal “Year of Art”?
Doesn’t that sound more fun than a treadmill? If you’re not sure where to start, here are 5 easy and fun ways you can resolve to appreciate art in 2018:
1. Collect a work of art
VIP auctioneer Jason Betteridge auctions off a Yaacov Agam work at the opening of the renovated Park West Museum, 2017.
You’ve been talking about it for years. You have that blank spot on your wall that drives you crazy—a spot that would be PERFECT for a compelling work of art. In 2018, stop making excuses and finally take the leap.
To get started, perhaps visit Park West Gallery and attend one of our famous onboard art auctions. There are so many opportunities out there for you to really connect with fabulous artwork in your Year of Art. Make 2018 the year you finally do something about those blank walls and find some art that will stay with your family for generations.
2. Make your own art
Artistic prodigy Autumn de Forest contributed her time and talents to help youth in Harlem make their own art at the Art Horizons LeRoy Neiman Art Center during her exhibition “Autumn de Forest: Selected Works” held December 2, 2016 to January 31, 2017.
We know what you’re going to say—“I can’t even draw stick figures!” The good news is… that doesn’t really matter. When you’re making art, the process is far more important than the end result. Let’s spend 2018 finding new outlets for your long-suppressed creative side.
Even if the final work makes you cringe, the act of creating art will invigorate your spirit for 2018. Who knows? Maybe you’re better than you think.
3. Spend some quality time at an art museum
Park West Gallery guest browses the collection at the opening of the Yaacov Agam Museum of Art in Israel, 2017.
Not every person has a great museum near them, but, regardless of your locale, make it a priority to visit an art museum in 2018. But truly commit to the experience.
Don’t stroll through the whole place in 30 minutes. Take your time. Linger. Sit and stare for a while. Sign up for a tour and listen.
You’ll be surprised at how it will end up being one of the most relaxing and fulfilling days of your Year of Art.
4. Learn more about an artist you admire
Andrew Bone singing copies of his book “Brush Strokes of Africa,” which collects examples of his breathtaking art and his memories of growing up in Zimbabwe.
Another way to appreciate art in the new year is to learn more about the people who create it. Pick an artist you like and explore their life and career.
There are so many ways to do it. You can browse a Wikipedia page. Buy a book. (Park West has amazing art books about our artists.) Or, if they’re famous enough, maybe there’s a movie or documentary about them. (The recent “Loving Vincent” was a tremendous look into Vincent Van Gogh’s life.)
In the end, the more you learn about an artist, the closer you’ll feel to their artwork.
5. Talk to people about art
“Stepping out at the Gallery with Tarkay” (2015), Glenn Marcus
Find opportunities to talk about art in 2018. Why? Because they’ll be some of the most fascinating discussions you’ll have all year.
Talking about art helps us process abstracts concepts—like beauty, love, and loss—and, when we engage in those discussions with other people, we learn volumes about how everyone else interprets the world in their own unique way.
Take a friend to a museum. Approach an auctioneer at an art auction. Start a conversation at a gallery.
Something as simple as asking “So, what do you think of this?” can start a discussion that might make you look at art, and maybe even the world, in a whole new light.
Those are our ideas—now how are YOU going to make 2018 your Year of Art?
Fortunately, you want to learn more about art in 2018, Park West Gallery can help. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you want to know more about our artwork or our electrifying art auctions, you can contact one of our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 during business hours or email sales@parkwestgallery.com for inquiries after hours.
RELATED LINKS:
