Giving Original Art

Gift giving season is fast approaching. I was watching customers recently in the fine art of shopping. My observations, though not scientific, sure were fun to see how the shopper goes about the process of picking out their prizes. Most people picked up and felt for quality and held it up to the light to get a better look-see. In art shows the potential buyer walks around and among the art, hands behind their back like a Norman Rockwell painting trying not to touch the art work. Wouldn't it be fun to have an art show that encouraged the handling and hefting of the art pieces? 

We all have the experience of giving what we hope, is a thoughtful gift, followed by a gnawing feeling that the gift was, well in the dark recesses of the recipients abode, i.e. closet. Take heart. Just tell yourself it was given in the spirit of whatever makes you feel better and good luck next time.

Speaking of the spirit of giving, we went to the dedication and opening of the new Broad Art Museum on the Michigan State University campus. The dignitaries were replete, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as we all waited to get our first look inside this very unusual building which in itself is a grand piece of art. This is quite a gift to give, all forty million dollars’ worth of hope and encouragement for the arts into the future for generations to come.

Here’s hoping Eli and Edyth Broad Art Museum will continue to shine and stand out as a beacon for the arts for many years.

            Though many of us don’t have the big bucks to give like some fortunate folks, don’t lose your artistic eye, and keep shopping for that special gift. As we shop this season we hope you will stay positive and give original art a chance to make someone happy.

Happy holiday, 
Joel  www.joelellisart.com   

On Hold  16x20  oil on canvas. Boats caught in ice, Lake Michigan

Snowy Ridge  18x24  acrylic on canvas

Broad Art Museum by Zaha Hadid: Cause for Artists' Discussion

A gathering of artists, in East Lansing, were finishing their breakfast when the art topic became heated. The big talk was about the new Broad Art Museum on the campus of Michigan State University by the world renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Most respected artists at the table thought the building too radical while a few brave souls thought the new Broad will be great for East Lansing and Mid Michigan, bringing visitors from around the country and the world.

I have to confess I have been in the cautious group. The architectural design is radically diverse from the general university style. Long metal lines crossing at sharp angles seem to invite a variety of “looks like” comments: looks like a spaceship landing, looks like a truck wreck, looks like . . . you get the idea.  As the unusual shapes have come together over the last several months, however, the futuristic design began to make a statement about being brave and looking to the future. After a virtual tour of the inside of the building where art is displayed, the concept has made a positive impression on me.  See for yourself: http://broadmuseum.msu.edu Check the site regularly for updates on the project and shows happening now through the Broad Without Walls program.

Michigan State University campus will become a destination for the seekers of beauty in the arts thanks to the Broad Art Museum. The opening of the museum should be a grand affair in the fall of 2012.

For most recent views of Joel Ellis Art, please take a look at my website: www.joelellisart.com  Thanks.

Joel