Articles

October 25th has been selected to honor artists and their contributions to humanity. It is not coincidental that this is also Picassos' birthday, one of the most influential artists of all time. Artists have been the chroniclers of history for as long as humans have walked the earth. Artists are a largely ignored group, however the undercurrents of their influence is felt in everyones' life.

Art is the backbone of everything we use and see that is man made yet the artist behind the scenes is seldom recognized. Cultures are defined by their art, yet we take for granted these unsung divas of art.Everyone can participate on this day in many ways:

1.Visit a gallery and explain why you're there.

2.Purchase a piece of art to support an artist.

3.Visit an artist studio.

4.Take an artist to lunch and explore their world.

5.Come up with your own ideas to participate.

This is a grassroots campaign that has gathered momentum around the globe. You won't find a Hallmark card for this auspicious day, it is celebrated amongst the artist community and those quiet souls who support and love the arts. Visit the website dedicated to this day, or find your own way to celebrate with artists around the globe. IAD is being celebrated in many countries such as Australia, Poland, Denmark, Mexico, United States, Canada and England. We wish to include more areas as the awareness increases of this special day.

Thank You. Fernando Tames Mexico,    Marilyn Hurst Canada

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INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS DAY
by Marilyn Hurst

October 25th is International Artists Day and it's gaining support worldwide. This grassroots movement is not mainstream as yet but artists and galleries in communities everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon. Perhaps an overview is needed to explain the concept.

Artists are a much ignored group although almost anything you use day to day has an artistic design at its root. Throughout history art has been the most important defining characterization of a culture or people. Art survives personalities, dynasties, movements and civilizations. Artists are pioneers and are usually at the forefront of changing times and events. We might well ask why.

True art is timeless and universal and recognizable to all. Where does the inspiration for art come from? What makes some art priceless and other art mediocre? The artist themselves are the lynch pins. Art that is inspired comes from the “unexplainable” and is translated by the artist. If the artist is “tuned into” this area of consciousness, masterpiece works in painting, sculpture, music or prose can manifest. There are thousands in the arts over the centuries of this magnitude, they are natural conduits and are household names because of the recognition of their contribution to culture and humanity.

The day chosen to honor artists worldwide is October 25th, Picassos' birthday. Why this artist and not another was more a matter recent contribution. Picasso was instrumental in bringing art to the masses more than any other artist up to that time. Picasso is the iconic artist personified.

Now more than ever it is important to focus on art and culture. Mainstream television, globalization and the internet are wiring everyone up to the lowest common denominator. True living requires atunement to our common humanity which is accessed through inspiration and the arts. By giving our attention to artists, we have the opportunity for one day to focus on what is eternal and timeless in our civilization. Just as Remembrance Day is important for the pausing to reflect, Oct. 25th can give us a reason to participate in the arts personally.  If you didn't grow up with art as an important aspect of your everyday living,  “the buck stops here” when it comes to your kids and we need to take more of an interest for their sakes and for the sake of humanity as a whole.