It’s American Artist Appreciation Month, which gives us all an excuse to be a little more hedonist this month and relish in the local art scene we’re blessed with in the Seattle area.
Of course, art isn’t always hedonist. There are so many good reasons to support artists and their work.
Art gives beauty to art daily lives, it can capture a moment in history and offers meaning to confusing and uncertain times.
Art is necessary.
Here’s how to appreciate this month with the senior in your life.
You’ve probably heard of the SAM, or the Seattle Art Museum if you live near the Puget Sound.
One of the newest installations is titled, “New York to Seattle: Case Studies in American Abstraction and Realism.”
Because I can’t begin to try and explain any kind of art, I’ll quote the SAM on what the new installation is about: “Two parallel yet contrasting trends emerged in American art in the first half of the 20th century. Abstraction prevailed within the avant-garde, while realism reigned in art aimed at popular audiences.”
General admission is just $14.99. You can buy tickets HERE.
Also on display at the SAM is an exhibit of Monet’s work, called “Monet at Etretat,” which focuses on a period of growth for him as a painter. You can learn more HERE.
And there's always the gorgeous Chihuly Museum at the Seattle Center, which is like stepping into a glass-blown dream.
You can also check out the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, which reopened to the public this May.
Here are some ideas to get artsy:
For more tips on getting crafty as a caregiver, check out a SeaCare blog HERE on indoor activities to enjoy in the fall.
Are you more of a fan of contemporary art?
Visit an exhibit.
The Kirkland Art Center supports local artists by giving them a space to display their work and also provides dozens of classes and workshops. Check out work in the gallery for free Thursday through Saturday. You can find hours and directions HERE.
For a timely exhibit, check out the Arts at King Street Station, which “challenges audiences to think intentionally about the idea of “home” through the use of paint, sculpture, quilting, and textural arts.”
Called Close to Home, the exhibit features all local Seattle artists.
To stay up-to-date on art happenings around Seattle, you can read the Art Beat blog from King County, which highlights new exhibits and other art-related news in the area.
If you like online shopping, you can support Seattle artists HERE on Etsy.
August also serves as a reminder to support Black business. Compared to their share of the population, which is 13%, Black and African-Americans make up 10% of business owners in the U.S.
One way to show your support is through art!
The Black Embodiments Studio, or BES, has an updated list of exhibits by Black artists around Seattle. You can check out where to find these artists’ work HERE, which includes the SAM and the Frye Art Museum in downtown Seattle.
You can also watch virtual exhibits from the Northwest African American Museum, like the one titled, “Iconic Black Women, Ain’t I A Woman” by Hiawatha D.
Check out the museum’s event page HERE.
SeaCare loves to support local businesses and with that, local art. Need more tips on what to do as a caregiver? Check out our Resources page to discover all sorts of ideas.
Megan Marolf writes about senior topics and outdoor recreation from her home base in Seattle. You can read more about her here.
Resources:
https://business.nextdoor.com/local/resources/what-is-black-business-month-and-how-can-my-business-show-support