Visual art is a fundamental component of the human experience that reflects the world and the era in which we live. Art can help us understand our history, our culture, our lives and the experience of others in a way that cannot be achieved by other means. Art has the power to change the way we see the world, awakening us to new perspectives, ideas and values. It can take us back in time to reflect on our past or push us further into our future. Art can raise awareness of social problems and foster a sense of acceptance that unites people regardless of their origin.
Art is not only a form of expression, but also an invitation to solve problems and grow within ourselves and our communities. Whether creating it or experiencing it, art offers unique ways of understanding different points of view, while inspiring citizens to create significant social change. Art is a multifaceted phenomenon that serves as a reflection of our most intimate emotions and of the world. that surrounds us.
It evokes feelings, from joy and pain to anger, creating a bridge of understanding between diverse groups of people. By transcending languages and cultures, art becomes an invaluable asset for fostering unity and peace. The term Japonism, first used by French art critic Philippe Burty in the late 19th century, summarizes the profound influence of Japanese art, design, and culture on Western art. Having access to visual art and experiencing the creation of art helps humans to contextualize their experiences and connect them with other people through of the expression of a shared identity.
BRAINY is a program at the Gregory Allicar Art Museum that provides hands-on experience in all aspects of art and supports ongoing and active art education in K-12 classrooms. CSU art education students create meaningful educational experiences that positively impact elementary and high school students in the Fort Collins community and beyond through programs such as BRAINY (Bringing Arts Integration to Youth) and Family Day. This can take the form of organized community arts programs to improve artistic skills or outreach programs to empower special groups of people.
