We wish you an "Artful New Year!"

As we come to the end of 2011, we at the North Penn Arts Alliance wish you all an Artful New Year.

What this means is that Art should be a part of everyone’s life. After all, you see some form of art every day. In a magazine or newspaper you see photographs and advertisements that draw your attention. In books and even on web pages you see illustrations that define what the author is saying.  Even on the streets you see architecture and design that was incorporated a long time ago.

Art is essential to problem solving, creativity, even the generation of ideas.  Many ideas were brought about by a scribble on a napkin or memo pad. So as we go forward into this New Year, think about the arts and what they mean to you. Art, whether it be as visual as a painting, a mural, a drawing or a sculpture, it draws attention to an area. Performing arts also draw people to the community. A blending of both visual and performing arts within the same community would draw more people to the community. When this happens, local businesses thrive, restaurants, shops and the many storefronts that abide in the community. All enjoy the profits that the arts bring to the community.

Art provides an outlet for children and adults. It allows them to express themselves and socialize with others that they may not have if there were no arts programs. Art also allows them to learn and in some cases teach what they have learned. Performing arts teach interaction and timing skills.

So how does one support the arts in these economic times?  Besides the usual means of support of taxes and collections by art groups, there are other ways of supporting the arts in the community. One is by becoming a member of a local art organization. Most of these organizations are a mix of artists and those that enjoy the arts. Other means of support is a letter writing campaign to the local councils and commissioners in support of community art programs, as suggestions for art based programs, fiscal and expertise contributions, and to generate programs and events such as concerts, contests or anything to expand the art base within the community.  

We at the North Penn Arts Alliance will do what we have done for these many past years and will continue to encourage art within the community. Members will have art shows in the area either solo or collectively as the group. Our teachers are preparing to teach the Community Education Art Classes at the North Penn High School during the Spring Semester. We also hold a monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month (except July & August). At these meetings we strive to have an artist or someone in the art community make a presentation. Also, North Penn Arts Alliance Member Amy Rims, is planning the “Lansdale Fun a Day” for January?  Its website is Lansdalefunaday.blogspot.com

So please get involved in the Arts and have an “Artful New Year!”

Childrens' Art depicting Lansdale Borrow and Bill Smith's Stain Glass titled "When Life Gives you Lemons"

Give a Gift of Art for the Holidays.

As we get closer and closer to the big festive days of the holiday season, many of us are still struggling as to what to get for a friend, family member or business acquaintance. Stop for a minute and consider giving a gift of Art. That’s right an artful gift of a painting, drawing, print, photograph, or ceramic and a personal favorite, a piece of handmade jewelry.  How does one acquire a piece of art? Well one may visit a local gallery or contact a friend that is in the arts. Another way is to seek local arts organizations such as the North Penn Arts Alliance and ask for a list of where member artists are displaying their work; from there you may be able to contact the artists directly. At present members of the North Penn Arts Alliance are displaying their art at local businesses like Rapunzel’s Salon, the Lansdale Library, North Penn Community Acupuncture. The Morgan Log House will be hosting their winter program on December 11^th and there will be prints of the Morgan created by a NPAA member suitable for framing.

A gift of art is a gift of consideration and thoughtfulness. It shows that you gave some thought and consideration into the receiver’s appreciation for art and provided them with a unique and in most cases a one of a kind piece that they can admire for many years to come. A purchase of a gift of art also supports the artists and the community. So while you are decorating, baking and shopping please consider a piece of art as a gift for a loved one.

Happy Artful Holidays from all of us at the North Penn Arts Alliance.