Supporting the Arts

*Photo by Gregory Colbert from his Ashes and Snow Collection

I just spent a wonderfully sunny Miami afternoon at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. While the twenty minute commute from my house to the Grove may not qualify as the typical high octane adventure one would expect to read about in a travel blog; I think that the ability to appreciate art and culture is what separates true travelers from tourists. Here are a few things I learned at the festival that I hope serve my fellow non-aficionados well at their next massive cultural gathering.

It’s about quality NOT quantity
The arts festival contained about two miles worth of exhibitors. I can not tell you how many people I saw racing past some fantastic artist’s booths just because they wanted to make sure they saw every inch of the festival by the end of the day. Of course, it is a shame if the day is not long enough to check out every artist. But you are not gaining anything by only allowing yourself a 30 second snapshot of every exhibit, flipping through a nouveau coffee table book will provide the same effect. If you see a booth that you find interesting, be sure to stop and take a really good look. You would be surprised at how much you can learn about yourself by examining what certain pieces mean to you.

Bring a blanket and eat the food
I know in this economy I should probably be telling you to skip out on the five dollar snow cones and eat before you get there, but where’s the fun in that? I believe that a day spent surrounded by fine art is a day meant for splurging. The arts festival today featured delicacies like curried goat and seafood paella, were they a little overpriced? Sure. But that just comes with the territory. Once you have your food you can try to fight for a table with the rest of the masses, or use a blanket and enjoy that funnel cake in full picnic style glory!

Remember it is about what YOU like
Art is incredibly personal. It is quite possible that you will fall in love with a piece while the person standing next to you thinks it is complete crap. I do not understand why people favor certain works of art over others. I think that it may be a combination of people’s experiences, personal preferences, depth perception, and countless other things. But at the end of the day you are the one that has to be happy with the decision you make. It doesn't matter what your boyfriend, best friend, parents, or whoever else may think. If you a look at something and feel an immediate reaction, that is a piece worth some serious consideration.

"Art is not a mirror to reflect the world, but a hammer with which to shape it." Russian poet and playwright, Valdimier Mayokovsky

To read an interesting article on the festival and watch a promo video click here.