ART APPRECIATION
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Art Appreciation is admiring the expression of human creativity or imagination, in any medium, that may be viewed as beautiful, evoke emotion, or inspire ideas. Art is a significant part of culture and can have a profound impact on individuals' perspectives. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Art Appreciation. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Art:
The expression of human creativity or imagination, in any medium, that may be viewed as beautiful, evoke emotion, or inspire ideas. The term ‘the arts’ refers to any or all of the branches of creative activity.
Art Movements/Art Genres:
Art w/ a specific distinguishable style or tendency involving a philosophy or goal and with a following of people (e.g., other artists) during a distinct period of time.
Medium:
The type of material an artist uses such as marble for a sculptor or brick and stone for an architect.
Composition:
The way components of an artwork are arranged in relation to each other & other people, objects, or spaces (e.g., a musical composition).
AI Art:
AI art involves artificial intelligence generated work (e.g., images or music) prompted by a user and culled from creative work accessible to its algorithm. AI art can inadvertently reinforce stereotypes and unconscious bias.
Moments In History
*Est. 13th Century BC - The poem, The Epic of Gilgamesh was written in Mesopotamia.
1965 - The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA) formally established art and music as part of a well-rounded K-12 education.
2024 - After over 200 years, The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the nation’s first art school and museum, founded in Philadelphia in 1805, announces the end of its degree programs.
Early 1900s - Psychiatrists including Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud began using art into their therapeutic practices.
1986 - Art appreciation goes mainstream with the museum scene in the movie Ferris Bueller that incorporates A Sunday on the Island of La Grande Jatte by George Seurat.
Statistics
According to Americans for the Arts, nearly 7 in 10 Americans say the arts improve the healing and healthcare experience.
According to the Image Generator Litigation, 12 Artificial Intelligence and copyright related lawsuits filed in 2023 against AI platforms to protect artists and their copyrighted work.
1413 Outdoor arts festivals in the United States each year according to a National Endowment for the Arts survey from 2009.
According to Americans for the Arts, Americans believe the arts unify their communities, and
2 in 5 Americans have changed their viewpoint because of an arts related experience.
According to the National Education Association, 5x less likely to drop out of school, 10% more likely to take a calculus course, 4x more likely to get a bachelor’s degree, 30% more likely to pursue a professional career when low-income students had arts-rich instruction in school.
Values
Freedom of Speech & Expression
Value
Reflectivity/Reflexivity
Inspiration
Audience/Engagement
Notable Names
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Vinnie Bagwell
Beethoven
George Elliot
Debbie Allen
Art Spiegelman
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Art Appreciation Infographic
Share what you have learned about Art. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
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Craftivism Event Video
As you make your own Marble Pour Art, you will learn and experience the importance of art in society. This event was co-facilitated by Stacey, the CEO of Inform Your Community, and was a former entrepreneur of a children's crafting business in lower Manhattan for five years. You can follow the instructions to make a version of this craft with your own supplies. No experience necessary. You can also make an event out of it yourself by hosting your own Craftivism: Art Appreciation. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use).
Take Action
Pay attention to movie credits & learn who is behind the art you consume – it’s the equivalent of clapping at a music performance
Approach art with curiosity and an open mind.
Go to one of Shakespeare’s plays. Learn about the history of theater and gender roles in Shakespearian times. Read Shakespeare - it’s Free online!
Support artists by visiting a museum, gallery, or interacting with local art & artists. Check out first museum in the U.S., The Charleston Museum.
Share our Art Appreciation Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!