05: Research: Why Visit Art Galleries?

Many people who've never even visited a gallery tend to think that they're "fancy," "hoity toity" and exclusive places where they're not welcome.  Contemporary art dealers and gallerists are busy people who are juggling many things most of the time.  Given the lack of arts education in schools, informing the public can be exhausting and it's not always on the top of the lists of galleries that are trying to stay afloat.  

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1. FREE ADMISSION: All the best things in life are free.  All you have to do leave your fear at the door, walk in, smile, say hello to your greeter (if there is one), quietly walk around and enjoy your visual feast.  It's free of charge.

2. THE BEST OF CONTEMPORARY ART: Depending on which galleries you visit, you're likely to see the best of the best in contemporary art.  Of course, "the best" remains subjective. 

3. SEE FAMOUS ART NOW: By checking out contemporary art galleries now, you can get acquainted with artists and their work before they become famous or even while they're growing in popularity and price.  By gallery hopping, you can call yourself a trendspotter or even a trendsetter.

4. MEDITATION:  Art could be considered a form of meditation.  Nothing carries you away and clears your mind like visiting art galleries.  I think it's best to visit galleries either by yourself or with an artist friend.  When I'm alone and looking at art in galleries, I get essay ideas or even come up with solutions for issues in my life.  For the most part, it's really a time to be in communion with creativity.  Artists see things that art historians and other art professionals simply won't see.  Art galleries often restore this great sense of calm and wholeness.  Work-pressured art dealers probably won't feel this way, but you will.

5. CREATIVITY:  Boosts your own personal creativity.  If you want to unleash your own creative juices, visit them often.  I'm not sure how it works, but it feels like osmosis.  Being around art and in the company of creative people makes YOU more creative.  Don't get caught up on HOW, just enjoy your new found process.

6. SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS: You know, far too many of us tend to have a "what's in it for me?" outlook.  However, when you visit art galleries, you're really supporting small businesses.  You may not buy anything, but when you visit a gallery or any retailer for that matter, you're setting into motion a chain of possibilities for them.  Possibilities don't pay the bills, but they're better than no visitors at all.  Word of mouth and the power of attraction should be taken seriously.

7. ART EDUCATION: Contemporary art museums aren't the only places to learn about art.  You can learn plenty in art galleries.  A really good art gallery will have "people-friendly" staffers on hand who can tell you all about the art that you're seeing in addition to some things about the artist.  Just get over your fear (or take your fear with you) and WALK IN.  This is not a pop quiz.  No one is judging or snubbing you.  They're too busy with their own work and agenda.  If you do get snubbed, just leave and don't return to that particular gallery.  Simple as that.  By the way, smart galleries know that it's best to be kind to all visitors.  You never know where that next sale may originate.

8. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: This is literally the heart of the matter.  If you open yourself up to art, you'll allow this entire world of creativity to literally transform you as a human being.  Since I've been collecting, visiting galleries, chatting with artists and seeing so much art, I've become - if I do say so myself - smarter, sharper, warmer, freer, more tolerant and considerate and more at peace not to mention more creative.

9. COMMUNITY: If nothing else, art teaches us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.  You can see this quite clearly during gallery exhibition openings.  There's nothing like being amid a crowd of people who love art.  You may or may not find experts in the crowd, regardless, it'll feel great to be among a group of art lovers.  It's super cool.  Keep in mind, the social element of art openings and large crowds often eclipses the art itself.   Visit the gallery again during a quieter time when you can really focus on the art and establish a personal relationship with it.

10. JUST PLAIN FUN: All contemporary art requires is that you spend a little time with it.  Get to know it.  See yourself in it, good or bad.   The process is fun.  Art teaches and reveals who we are to ourselves.  If you're into self-examination, you'll have a blast.  If not, well, visit a couple of galleries anyway.  Give it a shot.  If you don't like the show in a particular gallery, keep it moving.  Visit another gallery.  

SUMMARY 

1. It's Free
2. You can see really acknowledged / famous contemporary art 
3. Build relationships with upcoming artists 
4. Meditative 
5. Boosts creativity 
6. Support small businesses 
7. Learn about different types of art / history of artists / different genres / movements 
8. Gain a level of emotional intelligence 
9. Sense of community
10. It's fun