If you are a fan of all things art, you can enjoy
yourself by celebrating National Art Day on October 25. According to National
Today, October 25 both commemorates Spanish painter Pablo Picasso's birthday
and recognizes art's ability to portray the beauty of life, reality,
revolution, or rebellion, as there is no history or culture without art. National
Art Day acknowledges all forms of art, from paintings and sculptures to photography
and music. Art covers a wide range of creative and artistic expression, so whether
you love to create or just want to admire the works of others, here is a list
of five places to visit personally or virtually on October 25, where you and
your family can appreciate all that art entails.
New Orleans Museum of Art
The New Orleans Museum of Art
(NOMA) allows visitors to interpret and engross themselves
in art through their beautiful collections, exhibits, and gardens, inspiring
all to enjoy their diverse pieces of culture. NOMA showcases exhibitions that
feature ceramics and stone and is also home to a variety of other artforms for
visitors to view. You can visit their sculpture garden, home to over 60
sculptures by renowned artists, or see their art collections displaying heritages
across the globe. With mask safety precautions and social distancing
guidelines, you can purchase tickets in person or online to visit during the
time of your choosing. If you would rather visit virtually, NOMA also hosts
events such as livestream concerts and virtual workshops, where you can create
art with your family or to express your own personal creativity. 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, (504) 658-4100,
noma.org
Ogden Museum of Southern
Art
Located
in the Warehouse District, the Ogden Museum
of Southern Art showcases the largest collection of Southern art. Ogden is recognized
for its visual displays illustrating Southern traditions of music, literature,
food, and culture for a viewer's knowledge and interpretation. Ogden displays Louisiana
contemporary exhibitions and over 4,000 works of watercolors, paintings, wood,
drawings, prints, and more. They also offer numerous center programs and online
events, where you can view art, participate in online meditation series, learn
sketching, and experience other local workshops from home. Following health and
safety protocols, the Ogden allows visitors to reserve tickets online or in-person,
so you can discuss, view, or appreciate all things art. 925 Camp St., (504) 539-9650, ogdenmuseum.org
Mardi Gras World
If you're missing Mardi Gras season, look no further than Mardi Gras World. If you love your
art engrossed in Louisiana culture, you can learn the history of the festive
tradition of Mardi Gras through tours and events that showcase Mardi Gras in a
way you haven't seen it before. Visitors can experience the craftsmanship of
floats and props for Mardi Gras parades up close and personal, viewing behind
the scenes how artists work year-round building outstanding pieces that help
bring Mardi Gras to life. Currently, their newest space, NOLAween, celebrates
the Halloween season, and visitors can interact with and see their artistic and
imaginative displays of a New Orleans Halloween in a family-friendly, socially
distant environment. 1380 Port of New
Orleans Place, (504) 361-7821, mardigrasworld.com
A Gallery for Fine Photography
Located
in the French Quarter since 1973, this haven for photography, from founder
Joshua Mann Pailet, has become a living landmark in the history of photography
in New Orleans. If your eye for art features a love for photography,
photographs, and camera work, you can indulge yourself in a world of prints and
images at A Gallery for Fine Photography. Whether
you love earlier or contemporary work, the gallery features beautiful artwork
through photo lenses and showcases a large scheme of photographs and exhibits from
various artists within its walls. The gallery hopes to inspire passion and
curiosity of those who enter, and visitors can explore and enjoy fantastic pieces
that span decades of photography until now. 241 Chartres St., (504) 568-1313, agallery.com
Art
Camp 504
Art Camp 504 is a nonprofit organization
that emphasizes fun, creative, and inventive experiences for children
throughout the world. If you and your family love art, Art Camp 504 provides
children with a place where they can learn and create, all while celebrating
New Orleans's vibrant and unique culture. Since the pandemic, Art Camp 504 has
been offering virtual art camp, featuring online art classes for children
across the globe. Their virtual art classes allow children to interact,
socialize, and create with one another every week, with classes that include
digital drawing, virtual theater, virtual cooking class, virtual dance class,
and many more. Your child can learn and experience art one-on-one or in groups,
inspiring them to think outside the box and learn art forms while doing so. 3113 Royal St., (504) 913-2989, artcamp504.org
