Let’s Talk Art

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No matter how many forms of communication come out of the technology industry, there is no better way to get one’s point across than a conversation. Nothing can replace a good talk. In the arts especially, a quality interaction is an in-person experience.

For this reason, one of the surest ways to develop an arts audience is to offer free art lectures to the public. Having knowledgeable artists, curators, and advocates give one hour talks can do more to educate than any YouTube video I’ve seen. Maybe lectures are so helpful because there is improvisation, questions, answers, and creative conversation. When people meet, listen, learn, and discuss it seems there is a more personal connection made with the subject. Art talks make art more interesting because they provide the backstories.

Enthusiasm for art is also an important effect of art talks. Typically, the speaker is really into their topic and they can get others into it, too. Enthusiasm is a happy contagion. At one art talk I attended a couple years ago, the speaker had the audience completely absorbed as she explained her technique in classical painting. Answering the question, “How did you do that?” she broke down her process for the audience in a way that made the art even more interesting to view.

Connecting with people from the community and meeting new people are additional reasons to show up. Being a part of a healthy community improves quality of life, for sure.

Three organizations that provide free arts talks regularly are Clark College, North Bank Artists, and Angst Gallery. If there are others you know of, leave a comment and I am happy to post it.

Sally Fisher talking about the Recycled Arts Fair at an Art Talk in 2014