We all have busy lives. Work, family, friends—all require our attention, time and dedication. We all know that we need to exercise our bodies for a good quality of life, a knowledge completely known to me intellectually. I think, though, that we don’t acknowledge, in action, how creative experiences can enhance and expand the enjoyment of our daily life.
My docent touring day is Thursday. I often show up to the museum to give a tour a bit harried. The needs of a client, my two teenagers, my husband –my life-make me at times question my volunteer commitment. We are all busy. But I get there. I put my phone away (the crazy life enhancer) and I seem to take a deep breath. There are many times i can actually say i feel renewed. Ok, not EVERY time but often, if not continuous, renewal is nothing to scoff at.
Experiencing art through conversation can produce amazing insights—no art history, artistic ability required. I don’t have a background in either one. The Columbus Museum of Art’s slogan, mission statement really, is: ART SPEAKS. JOIN THE CONVERSATION. But, good conversation can only happen if people really LOOK at a piece of art. We tend to react to art first and move on based on sort of a visceral like or dislike reaction.
There is a great adult tour offered currently at the CMA called Drawing in the Galleries. No artistic ability required! Putting pencil to paper, drawing lines, shapes, requires some serious looking. Works that are even familiar take on some new context. It really is an amazing opportunity to “look” and “see” and have some great conversation.
The next two scheduled tours are on Thursday March 18 at 6:30 and Sunday March 21 at 2pm. Here’s the bit from the CMA website:
Experience CMA in a new way and see art from a different perspective. Join us for Drawing in the Galleries where visitors explore the basic elements of drawing while also developing observational skills and a deeper appreciation for the artistic process. Visitors should be prepared for surprises and should count on learning as much about seeing as about drawing. Program cost is $12 for nonmembers and $4 for members with a running time of ninety minutes. Reservations suggested, please call 614.629.5947.
Looking forward to more conversation.
place to hang art 