Cultural Pursuit in the News
FINDING WONDER: Making Art a Part of Life
By Marisa Casciano
This article first appeared in the Greenwich Sentinel, July 15, 2016
Art and culture have the ability to transport us. Michelangelo’s frescoes on the Sistine Chapel force the common tourist to put down the camera and appreciate an unreal piece of history. Similarly, a cheeseburger with a dab of ketchup reminds us of summertime and American barbeques. In today’s hectic world of tech gadgets, it is important to take time to stroll through museums and attend music festivals. They help us experience different cultures, find wonder and even a community.
Experiences that Inspire
“I had my first ‘passionate experience’ of art when I was nine years old and visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, with my parents…I was entranced, filled up with beauty and wonder.” –Laura Schroeder of Cultural Pursuit. Schroeder lived in Europe from the age of seven to 12. Her parents encouraged her to learn about the European history. She visited the Uffizi Gallery in Florence among a few, experiencing the culture first-hand. Her feeling of being “entranced” is one that inspired her own artwork and passions.
Finding a Community
“It gives you the opportunity to educate yourself to different viewpoints and interact with people that are from your town or surrounding towns that share your interests, which is art.” –Alex Trimper of Isabella Garrucho Fine Art. A community is created when we experience art and culture together. Some towns and local businesses display art for the public. Schroeder is a “big fan of art in public places” like sidewalks or our favorite restaurants. It’s a chance to experience the work of local artists in places we see everyday.
Finding a friend and attending a gallery opening or theatre show can spark our imagination more. Take time to hear others critique a piece, and your mind opens. Like a sporting event, your experience is enhanced when you can share it with others.
When to Get Involved
“Sooner rather than later. A child embraces what they see and are willing to learn rather than question things as an adult.” –Isabella Garrucho of Isabella Garrucho Fine Art. Art education has been debated for years. When you are constantly surrounded by the violence on TV and a tech-driven society, art becomes a crucial outlet, especially for children. The earlier your exposure the better, and with the resources from museums and online alike, it is easy to find that outlet. “As many museum educators will tell you, it is tremendously rewarding to see a child make a connection, express curiosity, learn, and simply wonder,” Schroeder said.
Where to Experience Art and Culture
Visit the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT highlights art, as well as science and natural history. The Brant Foundation in Greenwich, CT is a private museum with a large collection of Andy Warhol work. At the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, New York, experience the “wonderful whimsical towering tree sculptures”. Founded over 60 years ago, they hold three major exhibitions a year, outdoor concerts and more. Listen to jazz music with ArtsWestchester in White Plains, NY. “Music lovers from all walks of life” can enjoy.
©2016 Marisa Casciano and the Greenwich Sentinel. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission.
Photograph by Marisa Casciano.