(*It’s better than an ugly sweater, socks or a vacuum cleaner.)

CREATIVE ALLIANCE OF NEW ORLEANS URGES RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO

“GIVE ART” FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Now the Creative Alliance of New Orleans, (CANO) is saying “Give Art” as a way to offer something new and special for your family, friends and associates, and also to support our exploding but undernourished cultural community.

Remember the first time you got a work of art for a present? What a wonderful surprise. Instead of the usual, you were offered a new experience of a creative work by a living, renowned, or lesser known artist.

Thousands of artists now work in the metro area, churning out paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, drawings and other creative products, including manufactured goods conceived and produced by “makers” based here.

“Shopping for art is also fun…wondering in and out of galleries, markets, pop up art sites and artist studios, meeting artists, dealers and other art lovers,” said Jeanne Nathan, Executive Director of CANO.

“You can also gain further satisfaction knowing that you may be starting a friend on a new course, becoming more familiar with and excited about collecting art,” said Nathan.

New art owners typically expand their interest in various kinds of art once they begin to come to won initial works. One known sculpture collector in town had

once told an interior decorator, “no sculpture”.

Social and traditional media are excellent sources of information on markets, exhibitions and galleries. Best way to start? Just do it! Don’t be intimidated by the sparseness of a gallery, or the unfamiliarity of art. The staff are more than willing to help introduce you to artists and their work.

It is also important to know that art doesn’t have to be expensive. Many younger and less recognized artists offer work at surprising low prices. If you can afford the shirt, pants or skirt, dress or shoes on your back, there is art out there to fit your budget.

Certain sites on line also offer listings of galleries and their specialties. Also, you can go to CANO on Facebook, Instragam or our website at cano-la.org/news for a neighborhood based list of arts venues.

So grab some friends, make a day of visiting the galleries and markets. Go to the openings listed in the media. Introduce yourself to the artists, and get to know them. That is the ultimate way to learn about their work, what they are trying to convey and offer to the creative minded buyer. That’s you!

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