Mountain Mayhem: For art’s sake

It’s been said that when a person looks at a piece of art that they find beautiful, there is an instantaneous release of dopamine, a chemical that is linked to feelings of love, into the brain. Looking at art can have many positive impacts on the brain as it looks for patterns and shapes and upon emotions as it transports one from the present to a place of escape.

Fortunately, there are many outlets and sources for looking at art and connecting with artists, docents, and gallerists around the valley from the Aspen Art Museum with its free admission for all, courtesy of donors John and Amy Phelan, to the Powers Art Center in Carbondale (currently closed though reopening Dec. 1),) to the many galleries, several art fairs, and also private collections (when fortunate enough to be invited to see them). 

When I travel, I often plan my itinerary around current exhibits in the cities I visit, such as a trip to the Met in NYC recently with a friend to see the Manet/Degas show comparing the Parisian artists’ parallel paths in the 19th century. As we wandered through the galleries, I admired an artist with an easel, deep in thought as he sketched. The Met allows visitors to sketch in the galleries at any time using pencil only. It also has a more formal Copyist Program that offers time and space for artists to study and create reinterpretations of original artworks through a free eight-week session during the spring or fall. 

All for art’s sake.