Benefits arts: Art is for Everyone: The Benefits of Art

Art is for Everyone: The Benefits of Art

Art is a universal language. Thousands of years ago, mankind told stories through pictures drawn on cave walls. Through the ages, artists have relayed history through drawings, paintings, architecture and sculptures. Joy, sorrow, anger, peace – the emotions and experiences of artists are shared in a sketched line or a splash of color.

Whether you’re an artist or simply enjoy art, Seminole State’s Art Program can benefit you. Seminole State offers:

• A well-rounded curriculum for those who want to pursue a career in art or move into a four-year art degree program; and
• A variety of classes that students can take to enhance their personal or professional lives.

For the Student Artist

Seminole State’s Art Program prepares you for:

• Continued art education at an art school or a college/university art program; and
• A career in an art-related field.

Seminole State’s Art Program focuses on students and helping them achieve their goals. Our faculty consists of nationally exhibited and collected professional artists. The College’s smaller class sizes allow instructors to give you personalized attention to help you refine your skills. Seminole State also offers students:

• The opportunity to express themselves in multiple mediums; 
• A solid foundation in art history and studies;
• The ability to easily transfer into an art program at a four-year college or university; and
• Assistance in creating a portfolio.

For the Graphic Artist

Understanding traditional art media is essential to graphic artists. While the process of creating art on a computer differs from drawing, painting or sculpting, mechanics and techniques remain the same. Studying art prepares students to create their own unique art via their chosen medium. When learning to draw, paint or sculpt, students at Seminole State learn perspective, 3-D principles, drawing concepts and visual composition. These skills are the foundation for graphic design. Through these concepts, students learn to visually create, giving them a competitive edge in the design market.

For the Professional

Art is truly universal, which is one of its greatest strengths; it truly can benefit everyone and every industry. Art is the most effective way to communicate across language and cultural barriers. This makes it ideal for business and professional applications.

• Advertising and Marketing Campaigns: From billboards to newspaper advertisements, television commercials to company logos, creativity and art are as much a part of advertising as slogans. A person in Japan may not be able to read the word “McDonald’s,” yet will quickly recognize the company’s “Golden Arches.”
• Architecture: Architecture is one of the topics studied in art history because its principles are so closely linked with those in many other artistic disciplines. To design a truly remarkable structure, an architect must combine the physical and mechanical laws of construction with the creativity of art. Imagine what the Cathedral of Notre Dame might look like if its builder had simply constructed a square, wooden church house. Because its architect had a strong understanding of artistic concepts and a lot of creativity, a masterpiece was created.
• Interior Design: Interior designers create rooms that are aesthetically pleasing. To do so, they must understand artistic concepts. From how the furniture is arranged to the colors selected for a room, interior designers must combine principles of design with artistic creativity as well.

For Personal Enrichment

Art gives us the ability to express ourselves. Through that expression, we communicate by drawing on our own unique emotions, thoughts and experiences. When you see and study another’s art, you’re seeing the world through their eyes. When you create, you’re letting the world see through yours.

Even if your work is never displayed in an art gallery, personal expression holds many benefits. Creating an artistic piece is relaxing for many artists and helps them cope with the pressures of everyday life or extreme situations. To help control high blood pressure or other stress-related illnesses, doctors often suggest self-expression through art. Creating art is also rewarding because it can boost your self-esteem.

How arts benefits us all, as humans

From the earliest markings upon cave walls, to the rhythmic beating of drums, cultural dance or even the creation of written language, people have been driven to express themselves through art since the earliest days of our species. It can even be said it is one of the unique qualities that make us human.

Yet most people, if asked, would deny being an artist. We assume that to be an artist, we must be a virtuoso or have created a masterpiece, but this is simply not true. The truth is that everybody has the capacity to express themselves through art, and perhaps more surprisingly, we can all benefit from doing so.

Here are a few ways even us “non-artists” can benefit from art:

1. Stress Relief

Research has shown that engaging in just 45 minutes of art-making significantly reduced the levels of cortisol (aka “the stress hormone”) across 75% of participants. Why? Well, it turns out, creating art is akin to meditation. It forces the mind to slow down, to focus on the details, and it helps to block out the mind’s distractions, resulting in people feeling noticeably calmer and less anxious.

2. Confidence Boost

Remember being a kid, and the feeling of pride you would feel when your mom hung your artwork up on the fridge or wall for all the world to see? It turns out, that feeling doesn’t go away as an adult. Seeing a completed work of art that you have created stimulates the release of dopamine—the feel-good hormone—into our bodies, which lowers feelings of depression and increases feelings of confidence. In other words, creating art makes you feel better about yourself. Even if it’s just a stick figure.

3. Problem-Solving

That’s right, creating art can help us become better problem solvers. There are two reasons for this. One is that the practice of creating is inherently without boundaries or parameters. It forces you to use your imagination, to think through how you are going to convey your image or message through art. And the habit of thinking creatively helps you to learn new, resourceful ways of solving problems in your art, but also in life.

But secondly, the process of turning our problems into narratives can help us to work through them. By organizing our problems into the framework of a narrative—be it through writing, song or visual art—it helps to bring a sense of order to the chaos that is represented in the problem. This, in turn, “gives individuals a sense of predictability and control over their lives.”

4. Improves quality of life for those with illness

Not only does art-making help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression that are commonly experienced by those suffering from chronic illness, but research is also showing that it can be quite beneficial to older adults, particularly those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. This is because making art can improve cognitive functions by strengthening, or even creating new neural pathways in the brain, helping the brain to adapt and stay healthier. In fact, the earlier we can start using our creative brain regularly, and the longer we continue to do so, can help the brain stay fit and healthy as we age.

As a species, we have yet to run out of ways to creatively express ourselves. And in light of what research is now revealing are the many benefits of art-making; perhaps the very success of our species can be attributed, at least in part, to our innate need to create. It stimulates progress, it helps us cope, and more than anything, it helps us frame the narrative of our own humanity.

• Posted Aug. 7, 2019

Buying works of art via the Internet: what to look out for

How not to run into a fake, which addresses on the Internet are verified and what exactly you can safely choose in the global network – says a pro

Buying interior items, clothes and even ordering jewelry have become part of everyday life – a shopping cart and placing an order online not only does not scare anyone, but, on the contrary, often makes life easier. However, it is not always clear whether this comfortable attitude to purchases on the Internet extends to works of art – you never know how they will fit into the interior, whether they will look good in the home collection.

A couple of months ago, all the tabloids spread the news about the new acquisition of Leonardo DiCaprio. The actor added to his collection of contemporary art by buying a painting through instagram. Is this a realistic scenario, is it suitable for any person, or is it all a planned action that has nothing to do with the truth? Let’s talk about the dangers that may lie in wait for a neophyte in the open spaces of online art fairs.

French Print Collection – Bastonnade by French Fourch

Rikki Snyder

Popular accounts in social networks
Those who are already well versed in art, of course, need to follow not only the instagrams of show business stars, but unknown, but promising young artists.

However, even experienced collectors buy through official communities, even if they are well acquainted with the work of the artists whose work they are going to purchase. The risks of buying online from such people are minimal. Professionals have the opportunity to receive verified information via the Internet in real time (of course, provided that purchases are made through the official websites of galleries or their accounts on social networks}.

Therefore, the first advice: subscribe to the accounts of dealers and galleries on Facebook and Instagram. I can recommend Instagrams of popular international projects: White Cube, White Chapel, Perrotin, Almine Rech, Simon Lee Gallery, Kamel Mennour.

Ute Günther wachgeküsst INNENARCHITEKTUR+DESIGN

Art is inexpensive on foreign resources
The first path for a novice decorator is the art section on Amazon: prints of famous paintings are presented (in the price range from $5 to $200). Of course, from the point of view of the gallery owner, such acquisitions will have absolutely no cultural value – but they will decorate the interior. The benefit is as follows: purchase without additional duties and fast delivery by a convenient postal service.

Another resource specializing in under $50 prints is Society6. This site allows any designer to upload their work, and through an open vote, the most popular examples appear on the main page. The websites Tinyshowcase and Exhibitiona work on the same principle of circulation graphics.

Another popular resource is Saatchi Art; artists of almost all directions are on sale, about 40,000 contributors from all over the world. The resource connects authors and buyers, however, despite the fact that artists are selected by moderators, it is worth remembering: no one can guarantee you that the live work will look the same as in the photo. Prices for works vary, but, on average, canvases by young artists can be purchased for $700 – $1200. In addition, site specialists provide assistance in transportation and purchases.

Take a look at Artspace : was created as a platform in collaboration with leading galleries, where you can buy limited edition works of leading contemporary artists. Today, almost all media are represented here, and the site specialists are responsible for the quality, plus sales are carried out through galleries with a high degree of trust in the market. Prices for prints range from $500, and the cost of original works can exceed $18,000. It should be noted that sometimes items created specifically for Artspace go on sale, which greatly increases their collection appeal.

Alena Polyakova

SHIFT Interiors

Buying photos online abroad
For lovers of fine art photography, I recommend two sites: YellowKorner and Lumas. These are galleries with physical representations in many large cities of the world. Recently, Lumas has been operating in Moscow, and Yellowkorner has been operating in St. Petersburg. These galleries sell high-quality prints in large or open runs, which significantly reduces the cost of work. Prices range from $50 to $5000 depending on materials and series. The main feature of these platforms is that when ordering, specialists from the gallery will contact you and help you choose the right design for your photos.

The most important platform for collectors, which presents the original work of leading contemporary artists – Artsy. The site works only with galleries, the resource itself does not sell anything, but shows a selection by search parameters (artist or gallery). To enter the site, you need to register, after which, if you want to purchase a work you like, the site will connect you directly with the gallery staff, and they will privately complete the transaction and prepare the work for shipment. The site also makes reviews of international fairs and significant exhibitions. In addition, experts in the field of contemporary art regularly make reviews and selections of current art trends.

Moya Living

Cons of foreign online shopping
Despite the wide development of the global network, do not forget about the actual borders: in different countries, the laws for the export and import of art objects are very different, without special knowledge it will be difficult for you to complete a transaction and withdraw acquired work from abroad.

The situation with the import of art objects into Russia is constantly changing, large logistics companies (DHL, TNT, UPS) no longer deliver shipments to private addresses in Russia. Galleries arrange delivery through third parties (intermediary companies or art logistics). These companies are involved in the preparation of all documents for import, be prepared – the cost of such services with delivery is about $2000 – $4000.

And galleries don’t generally return work. And the buyer must fully pay for the work even before he sees it live.

Decor&Design

Where to buy art in Russia
In Russia, the Internet sales market in the art segment is just beginning to develop. There were several attempts to repeat Western analogues, for example, the ARTchoice
portal presents the works of contemporary authors, but it does not work at full capacity.

There are several interesting websites that showcase inexpensive prints (for example, go to Whitewalls.gallery for print run graphics by contemporary artists). The site of the online gallery Ptichka offers photographs of young authors in limited editions of up to 100 copies.

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SL*project Architectural Bureau

Tip: If you are new to the world of contemporary art galleries, start exploring the world of contemporary art galleries or art portals. This will help you get to know the local market better. In Russia, the leading portal about contemporary art is Artguide, where you will find a complete list of existing galleries and links to their websites.

After getting acquainted with virtual platforms, I advise you to dedicate a day off to walks in galleries and museums, because it is more likely that the works you like will look different in reality. And only then – to go on a virtual search for art objects.

Alena Kurmasheva / Privateview consulting

Summing up
Based on the above, I still advise you to use international Internet resources as an auxiliary material or a reference book: with their help you will be aware of the latest trends. At the same time, your experience and knowledge will grow. Read about significant exhibitions, study the catalogs of individual galleries.

Rikki Snyder

For amateurs rather than professionals, visits to galleries that sell art will be more informative. In the case when there is no time to walk through the galleries, you can spend a few evenings studying the offers in the local market.

Separately, I note that even eminent experts in the field of art advise: to understand art, you need to look for it, walk and look. There is no time to go to real galleries – visit virtual ones.

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The Benefits of Performing Arts

Performing Arts plays a key role in your child’s education. In many of the findings, researchers have linked the study of the performing arts to better child development and higher academic achievement.

Creativity and Innovation

Creativity, interpretation and improvisation are at the heart of the Juilliard-Nord Anglia performing arts program. By studying music, dance, and drama (which encourage experimentation, mishaps, lateral thinking, etc.), students can expand or go beyond traditional education. Thanks to the experience gained in the classroom, studio or theater, our students will be able to be independent and creative.

Self-confidence and presentation skills

By studying the art of performing, children learn how to communicate intellectually and emotionally with others. Through various performances and repeated rehearsals, children develop skills such as poise, focus and coping with anxiety that will help them express themselves, communicate correctly with others and develop leadership skills in the future.

An environment for self-expression

Performing arts can inspire your child to “explore” their emotions, expand their imagination and develop their own unique voice. Each discipline, music, dance and drama, engages a child’s brain, body and emotions in different ways to gain self-confidence and feel free to express themselves.

Empathy and Compassion

Performing Arts helps students develop the critical skill of understanding multiple points of view, which helps them learn empathy and compassion for others. Experiences such as characterization, the physical portrayal of emotions, and the singing of other people’s lyrics show how music, dance, and drama, each in their own way, affect a child.