As Christmas approaches, I wonder how many of you are giving gifts of art. If you are, all hail to you. I have problems with movie recommendations to friends, much less finding artwork they might like.
That's not to say it can't be done. You might know exactly what they want; they might have told you. Maybe you're shopping together.
The fact is I have purchased art for family and friends. I like doing it. I get really excited about the piece and look forward to the moment of transfer, but the bottom line is that they're never quite as thrilled about it as I am.
That only makes sense. Two people in front of the same piece of art - it whispers (or shouts) different things to each of them, even if they are from the same family or have been friends for a lifetime.
I'm certain that an art gallery would happily provide a gift certificate, though I've never done that. It's a good alternative, but for me, watching friends open an envelope just isn't the same as seeing the wrapping come off a long-sought-after gift.
There's another option, however. It may not work for this Christmas, but you might think about this for the next birthday or next Christmas.
All you need to do is sponsor an "Artist on Location."
The Artist on Location Project was developed locally, and it enables selected artists to travel to unfamiliar locations and create art. Artists spend a minimum of 18 days at a participating private sponsor hotel or residence in Curaçao, Kathmandu or Vietnam. The room sponsor, in exchange for the complimentary accommodations, receives first choice of a major artwork done by the artist at the location. In addition, all the sponsors who provide funds for the artist receive a piece of art created by the artist on location.
Is that great or what?
The selection process is rigorous, so you're getting a piece of fine art from extremely talented artists. Sponsorship categories are $100, $250, $450 and $900. The size of the piece you receive depends on the level of sponsorship. After the artists return from the location, the new work is shown at one of the local galleries, and then you can take your artwork home.
This is not only a wonderful way to create a personalized art collection, but additionally, to have the opportunity to invest in artists' growth, supporting them in innovative working environments to generate new directions in their work. And there is also the opportunity to get to know the artists and talk with them about their work and their experience on location.
If you're an artist reading this, and you think this sounds like a cushy vacation, let me clarify.
Kevin Christman, the most recent artist on location, created 15 pieces of art in 12 days.
He worked his fingers off - every artist does.
Despite the pressure to produce, however, and the moments of artist's block that inevitably come, every participating artist I've spoken with has been thrilled with the opportunity to live and work in a new environment with its unfamiliar landscape, its radical change in light and color, and they've been delighted to have an isolated, focused period of time to sink their teeth into their work.
The next Artist on Location is Lynn Rothan. She'll be traveling to Vietnam and staying at the Children's Laughter Camp at Mu Nei Bay. The camp, on a beachfront piece of property, was recently acquired to provide a getaway for orphans and sick children. Rothan plans to create a mural with the children for the camp as her exchange for the accommodation.
Rothan's tentative departure date is April.
She'll be needing sponsors to support her, so now's your chance to plan for that gift. And if it doesn't seem like the right gift for your friend - give it to yourself.
For information about the Artist on Location Project, call 541-773-3333 or email
artistjcollins@hotmail.com.
By Amy Richard
