Creativity and Community - The Gift of Art

I attended the Berkeley Annual Members Holiday Exhibit, Shine, over the weekend. Over two hundred fifty artists participated.  Many art organizations have celebrated the holidays by displaying their members’ art and craft works. Just a few examples are The Point Richmond Arts Collective, Oakland Pro Arts, The Richmond Art Center's Holiday Sale, and the Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios. This is the time of year when we think about giving gifts. There is no better way to support artists then by purchasing a gift that is one of a kind! If a gift is not your choice, consider contributing a donation to the many non-profits in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Artists and art organizations form a symbiotic relationship, one of a cooperative, mutually beneficial bond. Giving and receiving gifts is by its very nature a similar connection. People give because they care about someone or something and want to help or show support. When the recipient accepts a gift, they acknowledge the feeling and intention promoted by the exchange.

During the last part of the creative process, the artist prepares to share her work with others. She is fed and nurtured by the dialogue that results from sharing her piece with friends, other artists and the public. Another acceptance of her art is in the purchase of the art or monetary exchange.

This holiday season, support artists and the art community by purchasing a gift from them. Insure that final step in the creative process is a positive one. Encourage creativity in your neighborhood by donating to an arts organization. Give a gift of a handmade, original work of art and receive the joy of supporting a local artist.

Visit Fingado Art Gallery and pamfingado.com.