Becky was inspired to start Art Day in 1998, after working at an Artists for a Better World booth at a fair. She has been hosting annual holidays every year since then. Just last year she changed the date of her holiday to join with World Art Day on April 15th in honor of DaVinci’s birthday, which is also a worldwide celebration of creativity. (more info at artistsforabetterworld.org)
Barbara helped in the production and promotion of this year’s festival, and the word went out on various lines, with several people attending for the first time.
Art of all kinds covered the grounds. This includes visual art both inside and outside the house, and a table for books and CDs. There was also a display of Mail art which was sent in from artists all over the world. A table was set up for The Great Art Trade where artists could trade works with one another. There were also The Way to Happiness books with custom covers from various artists – “a common sense guide to better living” and a program that AFABW supports.
Also embellishing the yard was a display of paintings from students of Plainview Elementary school in Sunland, who did drawings in honor of the holiday and look forward to participating next year.
This year Becky even had a chocolatier, Scott Morris, who gave away free samples of his amazing home- made chocolate – including chocolate covered avocado bites, and bacon.
Complete strangers got to know one another in the warm, welcoming space. The highlight of the event was the open mic where artists of all genres got to share their works with one another, and were nicely acknowledged. This includes poets, writers, musicians and visual artists. Some just came to indulge in the creativity, and may want to share their art at future events.
The following is some of the feedback from new people:
“This was wonderful. Lively, friendly and very social. I gained much by coming. I talked with others and exchanged views. This is how we should live. It solves problems if we are in close communication. I enjoyed all the different artist’s works. This helps build community. In India we are all family – the whole world is our family.” – Yatindra Bhatnagar – 90 Year old poet who saw a flier in a local library and knew he should attend.
“I Enjoyed the early evening get together with a bite too. Thank you for the invite and the opportunity to meet some very nice people, view and listen to their art.” Sally Stanley – given a flier by Barbara while out for a walk.
“I liked all the art, and that everyone was willing to share their art and be open. No matter what they do, it’s an art, even the cooking. –I felt good about sharing my poems. – People express their feelings and spirituality through their art and it’s good to recognize that.” Micah Johnson – Invited by Lauren Perreau who met him in Malibu
“I liked all the art, and that everyone was willing to share their art and be open. No matter what they do, it’s an art.” Micah Johnson- poet
“Thank you for the invite and the opportunity to meet some very nice people, view and listen to their art.” Sally Stanley – painter
“I enjoyed all the different artist’s works. This helps build community. In India we are all family – the whole world is our family.” – Yatindra Bhatnagar – 90 Year old poet
