We celebrate National Art Day on October 25 — the birthday of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Art as a creative human expression encapsulates myriad things. It portrays the beauty of life or a bitter reality. It records history, revolutions, rebellions, and sometimes is a means to escape them. In short, there is no history or culture without art. This day celebrates all forms of art — paintings, sculpture, photography, architecture, music, and more. Through this celebration we show our respect for the passion and creativity in all artists.
History of National Art Day
In the summer of 1961 President Kennedy made an effort to settle a salary dispute between the Metropolitan Opera and the American Federation of Musicians. He succeeded. Kennedy’s actions signaled his passion for the arts. Congress, in the mid 60s, designated the National Cultural Center, launched in 1958, as a “living memorial” to President Kennedy and authorized $23 million to begin construction. It’s now simply known as the Kennedy Center.
The following year President Johnson signed the National Foundation on the Arts & the Humanities Act, which created the National Endowment for the Arts.
By 1970 focus on the arts increasingly spread to television and cinema. Mobil Oil committed more than $1 million to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for presentation of Masterpiece Theatre on PBS — and for 5 million copies of new Sesame Street magazine to be given free to preschool children in low-income neighborhoods. This was the largest gift to CPB from the business community to date.
A decade later President Reagan, himself a former actor appointed a Presidential Task Force on the Arts & Humanities to review the purposes of the National Endowments; broaden private support; engage more non-government professionals, private groups & individuals; & recommend ways to strengthen the overall structure of both agencies.
Still another president would show his support as well. Bill Clinton, in his 1997 State of the Union Address, asked Congress to maintain support for the arts — and urged citizens to make the year 2000 a national celebration “so that we can remain the world’s beacon not only of liberty but of creativity, long after the fireworks have faded.”
Recently the Museum of Modern Art in New York City reopened after a $400 million renovation — adding over 40,000 square feet for galleries (including two at the street-level)— inside the new West 53rd St. tower. They are free to the public.
National Art Day timeline
- 1962
Soup’s on
Andy Warhol makes the famous Campbell's Soup Cans that were considered to be a breakthrough in Pop Art. The set consists of 32 silk-screened canvases, one for each of the 32 soup varieties that Campbell's sold at that time.
- 1948
Jack the Dripper
Jackson Pollock was called "Jack the Dripper" for his famous drip paintings. "No. 5, 1948" is the most expensive and renowned abstract work by this American artist.
- 1870
The Metropolitan Museum of Art opens in New York City
America's most famous and diverse art museum was incorporated. It opened to the public and was located at Dodworth Building at 681 Fifth Avenue in New York.
- 1400
Oil paint was discovered
Credit goes to the Flemish painter Jan van Eyck but in truth, oils were used before his time. Oil paint can be mixed more easily and applied in big strokes. This revolutionizes the art scene.
- 38,000-33,000 BC
Venus of Hohle Fels
This small ivory carving of a female figure was discovered in southwestern Germany and is believed to be one of the oldest pieces of art discovered so far.
National Art Day FAQs
What qualifies as “art”?
One could make a case that any creative endeavor is “art.” However, culture, tradition and, in some cases that push boundaries, laws will ultimately determine what happens next.
What’s the best paint to use on canvas?
Acrylic. It’s easy to work with and it dries quickly. Plus, all you need to paint with acrylic is a primed canvas and a brush or palette knife.
What’s the world’s most expensive painting?
Leonardo da Vinci’s depiction of Jesus Christ holding a crystal orb is the most expensive painting in the world. Experts value the piece, known as Salvator Mundi, (savior of the world) at over $450 million.
5 Colorful Facts About Famous Art And Artists
Dali — but not cheesy
Salvador Dali once explained that the idea for melting clocks in his famous painting "The Persistence of Memory" came from Camembert cheese he saw melting in the sun.
She was famous after being stolen
The Mona Lisa only gained notoriety after she was stolen in 1911. For about 350 years only a few critics and scholars celebrated and acknowledged this painting!
Painting for sport
Did you know art competitions used to be a part of the Olympics? The categories were painting, sculpture, architechture, music, and literature.
A gem of a painting
Gemstone paintings originated in Rajasthan, India. Painters use precious and semi-precious gemstones, like ruby, sapphire, jade, lapis lazuli, etc., in fine powdered form to create beautiful works of art.
The youngest artist
Picasso could draw before he learned to walk! And the first word he spoke was "pencil."
National Art Day Activities
Buy a piece of art
Dress up a wall and encourage a local artist on this special day.
Wine and paint
Take a painting lesson and make some friends sipping wine. You can likely frame the result!
Visit an art museum
You don't have to be an art lover or critic to spend a few hours in an art museum. Pay a visit and let the art speak to you.
Why We Love National Art Day
It recognizes all artists
Artists are a passionate and talented lot that deserve our respect for their work and contributions to our culture.
It inspires us
Great works of art are truly uplifting and on this day we can open our senses to such inspirations.
It encourages creativity
All artists, regardless on skill level, earnings, or status benefit from a celebration like this one.
Also on Fri Oct 25, 2024...
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