People often believe you have to be a true connoisseur of the art world to visit an art gallery. Wrong! Just like museums, art galleries are for the masses and everyone is welcome. If you’re no art expert and haven’t felt brave enough to visit one, then here are five reasons to step into an art gallery and elevate your artistic knowledge!

1/ Visit an art gallery to improve your general culture

Visiting an art gallery is a great way to fuel your imagination and elevate your personal and cultural understanding.

By definition, this is a place exhibiting pieces and artists from all areas of expertise. Whether it be paintings, photographs, sculptures, design, furniture or historical pieces, you’re bound to learn something about the artform and its background. What better brain food is there?

2/ Feed your creative side and broaden your horizons

You may not be an artist but a trip to an art gallery will help you appreciate art more. It’s the perfect place to spark your creative side, feed off new ideas and experience colour, texture and more through fresh eyes. This is the place to explore new art forms and techniques you’ve never seen before.

Getting to know new artists and their work will give you a new perspective of the world around you.

3/ Meet your fellow art lovers

Isn’t an exhibition an opportunity to meet your fellow art lovers too?

It’s only natural to interact with other visitors as you wander around a gallery. It’s a great way to discuss questions surrounding the pieces on show, the emotions the art sparks within you, different points of view and artistic influences. So feel free to brush up on the artist and their work beforehand. Remember that most art galleries have a team of professionals on hand to answer your questions about the pieces on display.

If you want to find out more about a movement, period or specific artist, several galleries host regular themed talks or workshops.

4/ Discover and support new artists through art galleries

Unlike museums, art galleries exhibit and showcase pieces by an artist to sell them. It’s basically like an art market.

For many new artists, having their work exhibited in an art gallery gives them recognition for their work and introduces them to a wider audience. With this in mind, gallery owners act as a springboard whilst visitors don’t just uncover new creatives, but also support them.

5/ Visit an art gallery for some me-time

Last but not least, taking time out to visit an art gallery means taking time out for yourself.

Art galleries are calm and peaceful places where you can relax and recharge. Explore at your own pace, take your time soaking up and admiring the work as you see fit. It’s a great opportunity to take time out of your day for a break, some me-time or quality time with loved ones.

A trip to an art gallery can be a rewarding experience, even for newcomers to the art world. Whether you want to explore new artists, spark your creative side or enjoy an outing, an art gallery can be a great way to spice up your routine. Now then, isn’t it time you visited your local art gallery?

 

Photo by Dannie Jing ; Antenna ; Centre for Ageing Better