Reflections About Art

Last night I got to attend the Open Regional Art Exhibit at our local art center...  I've spent quite a bit of time lately volunteering with this particular event, and it was so nice to finally see the "fruits of our labor".  So many people helped out, and I was just one of many, but oh, what fun I had!  I'm so glad they asked me to help out!  There are over 60 local artist on display.  The exhibit runs for a month if you're ever close to Pendleton, Oregon. 
The above picture was taken while I helped "hang" the exhibit.  Definitely a first for me!  In the deep South where I grew up, we really didn't have a school art program.  I'm so sad to see it get chipped away here in Oregon, and across the country in general.  I can't really say that I ever had a formal art class until I went to college.  So I find myself at the age of 43 for really the first time reflecting on what exactly art is, and what it means to people, how we judge it, and create it.  I'm kind of sad that it took me so long to get here, but glad that I'm here now....

Just one little reflection from tonight is that we each see art from so many perspectives.   It means something different to each and every one of us.  Our individual life histories influence what we like and don't like.  I loved listening to all of the different conversations around me at the art opening tonight... what people liked and didn't like.  It was interesting to see what the judge thought was worthy of award, and what wasn't.  It takes so much courage to put yourself out there and be judged by everyone (at least for me it does... my "New Orleans" Quilt is part of the exhibit).  I can honestly say that each and every piece of art there is something that makes me happy.  What a wonderful thing!!