art is good for the soul and body

Copying words from a NYT article:
"Numerous studies have shown that art and music can help soothe chronic pain, stave off symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and accelerate brain development in young children."

  In addition, a longitudinal British study recently concluded that people who engage in the arts, even    minimally, live longer.

"Professor Steptoe said researchers theorize that people who expose themselves to the arts are likely to be more engaged in the world. We know that a sense of purpose in life is important,” he said. “Being involved and excited by the arts keeps and maintains your purpose in life.”

The study also noted that engaging in the arts can reduce loneliness, promote empathy and emotional intelligence, and keep people from becoming sedentary — all factors that contribute to a longer life."

a time of solitude

We are in the midst of the viral scare, and practically everything is shut down. I am one who likes to dig in and study so I can understand a situation, or a person, or whatever, but with this, I do not get the big picture. Therefore I am doing what I am told and being a good citizen.

My gallery is located in a park-like setting next to the river. Today is mild, the breeze is nice, and the air is clean. "They" have given me the option of closing or opening. I have a business to run, so I decided to let folks know by way of social media that I will be open today and tomorrow from 11 am to 5 pm. So here I am, and so far, nobody has shown up. Can't say that I blame them, but I thought also that it would be nice to give people a place to go. As for me, it is as easy to be here as at home.

Without people, the Roomba was free to roam about and clean the floor. Such a great invention! I had wanted one for a while. Who wouldn't? And when I saw them for $250 at Costco, I bit. The gallery has to be kept clean and pretty, and I didn't want to sweep everyday, so . . .

Around the oyster roaster, three men are sitting and talking. Their bikes are parked nearby. Generally when I am here, a lot of cars pass and slow down to look. Not so much today. However, there has been a good bit of interest in water+color, and I find that fun.

all in with the new place

So sad, but I had to leave Studio 15.

The Open Studios flag lured me into the Art Works in August 2013, when I was brand new in Wilmington, even before I moved into my house. Then I fell in love with the people there, or at least quickly developed a bond with them. It was such fun. A sweet space that took the place of the nursing units where I worked and forged friendships and swapped stories for almost three decades. Everything has a beginning and an end, and I knew I would have to leave someday. For the past three years, I was using it mostly to do art business, line up helpers for shows, etc. I felt a little guilty that I wasn't in there painting or being creative. Then June of 2019, I committed to opening a gallery about five miles away. I thought I could balance the two, but no I couldn't. I needed to be all in with the new gallery. Since I do like blogging and having stuff out there that I can find without rummaging through papers, I think I will use this to tell about what is going on with the new gallery. It will give me something to do in times of solitude. I must say that I am getting great feedback from everyone who comes in, and I am slowly learning how to do the business part, the biggest challenge.