The art world has found itself in the glare of public scrutiny recently. A spate of stories, actions and articles has simultaneously surfaced critical of the increasing link between money and art, and where that leaves the lowly artist. During 60 Minutes, and for a second time, Morley Safer cast his jaundiced eye over the excesses of the art world. Meanwhile, The Business of Art, a PBS series made in 2009 about the highly respected critic Robert Hughes, has been circulating on YouTube and Facebook. In it Hughes blames the Mona Lisa “curse” for the current cult of “personality” in the art world and the damaging financial speculation that has followed. The Occupy movement has also splintered off into an Occupy museums branch that protests “the grotesque devaluation of art to the level of bare commodity, made solely to be consumed and hoarded by the 1 percent”. They underscore a rarely spoken truth which is that museums and galleries, both large and small, rely on artists to work for free in exchange for meager exposure and the lottery-like chance of making it big.
With all that on my mind I found it quite ironic that this coming weekend San Diegans can enjoy a significant local arts event that is sponsored by a bank (OK, a credit union).
Founded by artists, Mission Federal ArtWalk enters its 28th year as a treasured event in San Diego. Sprawling across 18 blocks of downtown San Diego (Little Italy) the fine art festival sets itself apart from other art events. Mission Federal ArtWalk is considered an accessible and welcoming venue for art collectors and visitors to interact with artists, to view and purchase their artwork and enjoy an outdoor casual atmosphere under southern California’s sunny skies.
Don’t get me wrong. Mission Federal is my bank, and I like them a lot; I appreciate them participating in the community. I am sure ArtWalk boosts the economy down and around Little Italy too. But I imagine the artist booth fees are a bit of an investment so at the end of the day (or the weekend) I hope all those who participate have a great day and get a return on their investment.
Art of Pride juried show
Speaking of booth fees, 2012 Art of Pride Festival and Juried Show applications are now available online. Artists requesting booth space are asked to submit at least one piece for the juried show. If getting involved and showing your work to the world isn’t motivation enough, I am delighted to say that I will be participating in the judging this year. Give it your best shot!
