Art Is A Gift For All Occasions
Need Some Suggestions?
by Jayne Behman
"They're here." This single line was made famous in the horror film Poltergeist. I said it aloud as I strolled down the aisles of Rite Aide and Costco. Christmas decorations are on display in September. So, let's talk about gift giving occasions and art as gifts.
It is safe to say that regularity in exchanging gifts falls on occasions that are universally recognized as celebrations - like anniversaries and religious driven holidays. We might even suggest that Halloween is an exchange holiday because of its "Trick or Treat" rule. (Anyone paper mache-ing his or her own ghoul mask?)
Birthdays and Weddings
These are usually one-sided gift giving occasions. Jewelry artisans are highly sought after for these events. For instance, I gave my husband an ivory hand-carved pocketknife for our last anniversary.
Gift Giving to Teachers and Service Workers
PTA groups sometimes go to great lengths to solicit for donations that are pooled to purchase a sizable gift for the teacher. What about giving a small painting of a red apple?
We try to remember service workers on special occasions by giving them a small token gift to represent gratitude. (Apparently some of us need prompts to remember these employees. I receive sticky notes from our newspaper carrier every December. I don't forget my garbage and mail carriers – I don't want to anger them!)
Hand-made greeting cards are unique, unisex, functional, inexpensive, and serve as perfect gifts for any group. You could also give art-tiles.
Hostess Gifts
When you are invited to a private home for dinner or a party, it is protocol to bring a hostess gift, regardless of the hostess' needs. If your "thanks for the invite" gift is not drinkable or eatable, the hostess may recycle the gift to the next party giver. I have just purchased a small piece of pottery from the current show at the Morro Bay Art Association that I will put away for one of these gift-giving occasions. Small art-works make for terrific hostess gifts. (To date I haven't gotten one of my offerings recycled back.)
Gifts as Donations
People sometimes use gift giving to endear themselves to an individual or a cause. These gift givers might hope to later be remembered for a political appointment or be named as a beneficiary in a will. Anonymous givers don't want their name published. wanting the freedom of choice in giving without being solicited by other organizations. Many times, wills bequeath valuable art pieces to non-profits. But, what does a museum do with an art donation that is valuable to the giver and hideous to the receiver?
The SLO Art Center has a collection of bequeathed art, some of which they are willing to sell. Sales of art help sustain the bottom line, for artists and the organizations. Selling art is a business.
Artists can donate artworks to non-profits to help them in their fundraising efforts.
The Work of Child Artists as Gifts
Children are aware of who they want to create a gift for, even if it's for their dog or their goldfish. Seven-year old Cullen Chase's artwork hangs in Fiona Bleu Gallery. He is one of this gallery's best selling artists. His paintings represent the simple joys and subjects that surround us; shape, form, and color.
Think Outside the Box for Special Occasions
The Obama's and the royal couple, Queen Elizabeth and Price Philip, exchanged gifts at their first meeting. An IPOD fully accessorized and loaded with Broadway tunes was exchanged for a silver framed, signed photograph of the Queen and Prince. It wasn't the Queen's first IPOD. Does our President, his wife, or kids paint, sculpt, and/or draw? Now wouldn't it have been more unique, and possibly more valuable, for Queen Elizabeth to receive a painting executed and signed by one of US's royal Obamas?
When we were kids the greatest gifts we could give was something we hand made. As artists, some of us still think like this; everyone will be grateful to receive one of our fabulous creations. We must be mindful that art appreciation is in the mind of the beholder. Write a simple note to invite your recipient to select from your collection as a humbled artist.
The best gifts take into consideration the person you are giving to. It may be easier to shop online or buy a global-produced item, but giving an item that has been hand-made sets you apart, enhances the relationship, and supports our artists.
Plus, its fun to go art shopping. One of a kind art is accessible in galleries and art associations and at art fairs throughout the central coast.
Give ART as a gift for all occasions.
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Send email Jayne with any questions, ideas, and your calender of events to Jayne Behman.
Visit JayneBehman.com
A professional artist for over 42 years, Jayne earned her BFA at UCLA and is completing her MFA at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her artwork is represented by galleries in the United States, including three locations along California's Central Coast.
A lecturer and educator, she is active in the local art community and writes for various publications. Her published book, " Art Matters," is a visual art education tool being used in public and private elementary schools throughout the United States as well as by many Children's Art Museums.
Art Work by: Cullen Chase - Big Fish
OCTOBER ART HAPPENINGS
Annual Open Studios - Visits to over 220 private artistists' studios. The tour begins the weekend of October 10th over 3 consecutive weekends. You will need to get tickets. Visit the Slo Arts Council for information. The proceeds from the sales of the tickets benefit this arts organization.
Plein Air 09 - Benefitting the San Luis Obispo Art Center, begins September 27th thru October 4th. For more information visit The Slo Art Center. Proceeds from sales benefit this arts organization.
Call For Artists - Members of OPAG are sought to participate in the November ICON show to be held in November at the SLO Art Center's McMeen Gallery.
Morro Bay Art Association's current juried member and featured artists exhibitions are fantastic. I encourage you to see the new works on display. Hats off to Rena Doud - her abstractions on paper are inspiring.
"Undulation" by Rena Doud
If you missed the Fall Giftique Art Show held the end of September at Pomar Junction Winery there will be more coming up. The Network in SLO and Firefly in Paso Robles have an array of artworks. This art-boutiques are great for gift browsing and buying!
Lens to Image; The Photo Journey showcasing the photography and digital arts of Catherine Archuleta, Randee J. Ward, and Mike Vieira. October 1 thru November 29th, at Gallery at the Network 758 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo.
Art in the Heart Studios - Painting workshops with Ron Ray Rogers and Aleah Koury. For information email info@artintheheartstudios.com
Painting workshops with Jayne Behman resume in November. Email Jayne at address above for more information.
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