Showing posts with label Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arts. Show all posts

Saturday, 12 January 2013

3 Common Problems In Hydroponic Gardening

3 Common Problems In Hydroponic Gardening

By Chiqui Pangan

Today, more and more people are discovering the many benefits of growing their garden hydroponically. However, there are a number of problems that some growers face when dealing with the typically trouble free hydroponic gardens.

1. Algae

Algae are often green but can also be brown, black or reddish. They cling to gullies, channels or pumps or thrive over the damp media. They have a 'moldy' smell especially when too many of them are decomposing in the nutrient. They can block drippers, pumps, emitters and return channels. Severe algae infestation may seal off the surface of any growing media or substrate.

Apart from the unsightly appearance and foul odor, algae use up the nutrients that are supposed to be for the plants. Furthermore, when they bloom, die and decompose, they take out the dissolved oxygen content from the hydroponic system. This may cause the plants' roots to suffocate from the lack of oxygen. When they decompose, they also release toxins that allow plant pathogenic fungi to grow and multiply.

Algae growth is a natural result of exposing a nutrient solution to a light source. When you take out the light, the algae can not grow. Thus, to prevent algae infestation in your indoor hydroponic garden, light must be stopped from getting into the nutrient solution. Growers use light-proof materials to cover channels and gullies.

Media beds can also be protected with plastic film or a substrate layer designed to work as dry mulch. If the algae growth is thick, it is best to clean up the entire growing system after removing the crop.

2. Fungus gnats

Fungus gnats weaken the root system of plants. Their females often lay small eggs on a moist media. The resulting larvae cause damage to the root system of plants. They feed on plant tissues and attack small cuttings or seedlings.

To prevent gnats from damaging plants, most growers put screens in their doors and vents. This reduces moisture level on the media and presence of organic debris. The surface of the media or substrate must be dried out between irrigation's. It is also important to make sure that all pruning, dead leaves and other organic matters that have fallen into the system are regularly removed. When you purchase any growing media, check it for any gnat larvae growth. Keep it in a sealed in the plastic contained until use.

3. Bacteria and Mold

Bacteria are the common cause of mold outbreaks in indoor gardens. It is difficult to completely eliminate bacteria build-up. Thus, it is important to control the growing environment. Mold grows when there is high humidity. A dehumidifier must be used for all grow areas. If there is a mold outbreak, remove all the plants with mold and turn them into compost.

If you want to know more about hydroponic gardening and the best nutrients for flowering, visit the CX Hydroponic website through the following links:

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http://www.cxhydroponics.co.uk/products/bio-balancer

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Friday, 11 January 2013

Working Out Conflicts With Banquet Halls

Working Out Conflicts With Banquet Halls

By Anders Abadie

Despite everyone's best efforts, banquet halls and customers often run into issues or conflicts. In some cases, the problem cannot be helped. Other times, one party is at fault for the problem. While it may be tempting to just walk away from a contract and give up the security deposit, there are other options to consider.

Read the Contract

Before doing anything, make sure that you read the contract that was given to you by one of the banquet halls in town. You want to make sure that you understand exactly what you signed up for. In some cases, a customer believes that he or she has been wronged only to find that the situation was covered in the contract. If you are currently looking for an event venue, this is the perfect argument for reading over all of the details of the contract carefully before signing. For example, if you are planning to have a wedding outside and it rains on the day of the event, who pays to move everything surrounding the ceremony into one of the banquet halls? These are often the situations that tend to cause conflict between the two parties.

Looking for a Compromise

The first step is to consider a compromise. If there is no way around the conflict, consider looking for the next best solution. Start out with an email detailing the issue. If you know that you are in some way at fault, make it a point to mention this. Banquet halls will probably take your concern more seriously if they see that you understand the answer might be no. The email allows both parties to discuss the issue and document it along the way.

If things cannot be resolved, request an appointment with the company's representative and sit down face to face to discuss the issue. It may be necessary to bring along a manager or some other person that also represents the company. Talk over the situation and see if there is any way that you and the other party can come to some sort of compromise. This could mean making an adjustment to the date and time of the event or a change to the menu being offered by the caterer.

It is important to note that most of the time, handling the situation in a logical fashion tends to ensure that you get further with a solution. If this is a wedding, there is no doubt plenty of emotion attached to event and it can be difficult to find that things are not going to work out. Do your best to stick with the facts and work towards a resolution.

Leaving the Contract

If things do not work out, most banquet halls will allow customers to get out of their contracts. However, remember that this does not come without a price. There is always some type of fee associated with breaking the agreement.

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Friday, 16 November 2012

Getting New Office Furniture for Your Company - Read This So You Know What to Do

Getting New Office Furniture for Your Company - Read This So You Know What to Do

By Phillip Conners

So, you've identified the need for brand new workplace furniture for your company. What to do next? Are you on a restrictive budget for this furniture project? You may want to give consideration to purchasing used office furniture from a reputable provider that is skilled in this category.

Or, some business furniture companies provide lower priced designs in their stock. Should you seek out a local furniture provider or find an office furniture firm online? Frequently, you can find an web-based dealer that can handle the commercial furniture project at a cheaper price. A solid, regional provider can usually provide more followup support should your office furniture suffer from service issues. Therefore, it can depend on what you find are the most significant decision factors. Either a furniture distributor or an office furniture installation company can help you when it comes to area planning to determine precisely what will work best for your office's layout.

The most crucial element to success of your workplace furniture project is the work undertaken during the course of the furniture installation. Business furniture providers, no matter if local or remote, often use the help of a 3rd party office furniture installation service provider that specializes in this kind of work. The usefulness and help of a furniture installer can't be understated; it can mean the difference between a smooth project and a catastrophe.

First-rate workplace furniture installers provide the following professional services to guarantee great success:

• Location evaluation and/or space planning - This is to guarantee the requested office furniture meshes as specified and possible problems like fire code compliance are attained.

• Go backs - Repairs or service work are performed to ensure your office furniture is properly functioning for its practical life.

• Electrical & data contractors - Installation companies can either complete the work themselves or arrange with a specialist to complete the necessary connectivity during the install.

• Warehousing - Installers usually maintain warehouse space to put away your business furniture until you are ready to go forward with the install.

• Moving and move management - Whether building repairs are expected or your operation is moving to new space, furniture installers are able to help you move any office furniture in the short term or permanently.

Here are five questions you must ask furniture installers prior to figuring out the appropriate one for your job:

1. Can this company provide you with a COI - Certificate of Insurance with reasonable workman's comp & liability coverage?

2. Can the company help with space planning?

3. Can the company supply referrals from previous clients?

4. Can they setup the electrical contractor and data contractor?

5. Just how many go backs do the company supply you with for warranty services?

This is the critical info you want to give the office furniture installers:

• The payment terms and conditions

• Physical address of a job (are elevators available)

• Period of time available during the job

• Valid flooring plans, if possible

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Friday, 7 September 2012

Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey


By Carolyn Clayton

Downton Abbey is a British television period drama series written by Julian Fellowes and produced by Gareth Neame. The first series which aired in 2010 cost an estimated one million pounds per episode. Luckily it became one of Britain's most successful British period drama with British ratings exceeding 10 million viewers and over 6 million viewers per episode in the United States.

The series is set in the fictional Downton Abbey, the stately home of the Earl and Countess of Grantham. It follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants starting in 1912 just before the war. This was an interesting period and the series shows the confidence and the power of the late Victorians at that time.

In the first episode, which is set in April 1912, there is news about the death of Lord Grantham's cousin James Crawley and his son, due to the sinking of the Titanic. As they were the heirs to Downtown Abbey and had no male offspring there begins speculation as to who will become his heir.

The actual series came about when the executive producer Gareth Neame and writer Julian Fellows were working on adaptation of Julian's novel 'snobs'. They discussed working on an episodic series set in an Edwardian country house and it grew from there. Julian was the perfect writer as he had always been interested in the way of life of fully staffed housed that were around when his own father was born.

The series set and costumes are pretty lavish and impressive. Filming took place at the beautiful Highclere Castle in Berkshire and the servants living areas were filmed at Ealing Studios, West London. Many outdoor scenes were filmed in the village of Bampton in Oxfordshire. The first series had seven episodes in total, but the coming second series will be composed of eight. The filming began in March this year and will air towards the end of 2011 and will include a Christmas special.

The whole team behind this drama make it what it is today. The cast were chosen very well, writers, makeup articles and they even brought on to set the historical advisor Alastair Bruce who helped the actors with answering questions to help them in their roles. If the second series is received in the same way as the first we can hopefully look forward to a third series being filmed next year.

For more information on going on a Downton Abbey why not check out Brit Movie Tours who are a London based tour company offering many other London Movie Locations tours.


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Saturday, 1 September 2012

Museums and Art Galleries in Dublin

Museums and Art Galleries in Dublin


By Breda Quirke

The Chester Beatty Library

The Chester Beatty Library is an amazing art museum and library which houses a wonderful collection of manuscripts, prints, drawings, miniature paintings, extraordinary and unusual books, and many ornamental arts which were collected and assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). This collection hails from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. The Chester Beatty Library was awarded Irish Museum of the year in 2000 and was awarded the title 'European Museum of the Year' in 2002. For further details check out The Chester Beatty Library website.

The Hugh Lane Gallery

The Hugh Lane Gallery is an art gallery home to the largest public collection of 20th Century Irish Art. Dublin City Council funds the Hugh Lane Gallery. Located in Claremont House in Dublin city, this is a very popular art gallery and is very unique as it is the first Metropolitan Gallery of Modern Art in the world! Previously called the 'Municipal Gallery of Modern Art', it was renamed the "Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane", but is still today known as "The Hugh Lane". For further details check out The Hugh Lane Gallery website.

Dublin Writers Museum

The Dublin Writers Museum was opened in 1991 and is housed in an original 18th century house located at 18, Parnell Square in Dublin City Centre. The museum includes a library, gallery and administration area. Onsite there is a coffee shop, bookshop, exhibition and lecture rooms. Writer's works that feature in this museum include those that made an important contribution to Irish and International literature, James Joyce, William Butler Yeats and George Bernard Shaw to name a few! For further details please check out the official Dublin Writers Museum website.

Dublin Children's Museum - Imaginosity

Imaginosity is a Children's Museum located in The Beacon Court Shopping Complex in Sandyford, Dublin 18. Imaginosity is Ireland's first interactive museum that welcomes children up to the age of 10 years. There are many colourful and expertly designed exhibits that will enhance children's imagination and development. Celebrating its 2nd birthday this October Imaginosity are providing a variety of activities to mark this occasion including a Halloween programme of events which will run from 26th October to 31st October 2009. For further details please check out Imaginosity website.

Image: The River Liffey - Dublin - Ireland.Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is located in the 17th Century Royal Hospital on Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, just west of Dublin City Centre. Exhibiting the very best in modern and contemporary art, a visit to this museum is a must.

The contemporary art collection is purchased from studios and galleries. Donations are also received with many generous gifts received in the past. The location offers wonderful surroundings with a formal garden, courtyard, meadow and medieval burial grounds. For further information please visit The Irish Museum of Modern Art website.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

It has been said that when you visit The National Museum of Ireland you will be transported back in time to our ancient ancestors in Ireland 7,000BC. With magnificent artefacts that include Celtic and Medieval art like: The famous Ardagh Chalice, The Tara Brooch and The Derrynaflan Hoard, you are sure to be amazed with the wonderful exhibits on offer. Here you will also witness recently found bog bodies that date back to the Iron Age. For further details please check out The National Museum of Ireland website.

National Wax Museum

The National Wax Museum guarantees a fun and interactive day out for all the family. Heroes, celebrities and many more from past to present will come to life right before your eyes! Visitors can take a journey through Irish history when they visit 'The Vault of Irish History'. 'The Writers Room' pays tribute to Irelands many famous writers, 'The Grand Hall' features Ireland's music legends that include U2 and Phil Lynott to name a few. 'The Irish Hall of Fame' featuring many Irish entertainment and sporting legends. Should you dare to visit 'The Chamber of Horrors' you will experience the weird and wonderful world of horror. For further details check out The National Wax Museum website.

So there you have it, just a selection of Dublin Museums and Art Galleries worth a visit.

Breda Quirke writes for GoIreland.com - Ireland's leading travel and accommodation website.

Check out GoIreland.com for everything you need to know before you visit Ireland. GoIreland.com has low prices for quality approved hotel, B&B, guesthouse and self catering accommodation all over the country.

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Bangladesh - Top 5 Art Galleries and Museums to Visit

Bangladesh - Top 5 Art Galleries and Museums to Visit


By Pinky Mcbanon

Bangladesh is rich with cultural resources and is one of the countries having the most number of well kept cultural materials in the world. The country's collections of ancient artifacts that came from the ruins of many of the historical places in Bangladesh are reserved inside the country's museums and galleries. These galleries and museums are opened to the public where one can take a look of the amazing and unusual ancient pieces found in Bangladesh.

Being a country with a number of museums, here are the top five of these which are mostly visited by tourists and travelers from around the world:

o The Bangladesh National Museum - located in Shahbagh, Dhaka. This museum was built in1913 with four different departments with a total of forty galleries. The museum has the collections of different ancient stones and metal sculptures. Bangladesh National Museum also displays the country's collection of old coins, silvers and other metal art works. There are also exhibits of the country's textiles including the famous muslin fabric. Here, one can also find a vast collection of ancient paintings and handicrafts. Bangladesh National Museum is open daily except on Thursdays.

o Mukti Juddho (Liberation War) Museum - located in Segunbagicha, in the city of Dhaka. This museum holds the scarce photographs of Bangladesh's liberation war items that were used by the unsung heroes of the country's glorious war. Visitors are always welcome to visit the museum for them to see the treasured historical pieces they have. The museum is open daily except during Sundays.

o Ahsan Manjil Museum - sited in Old Dhaka, in the Buriganga's river bank. This museum was once the home of the Nawabs who were the Rulers of Dhaka. The residence was later made into museum. This Victorian style fort is brightly painted in pink. This museum holds the ancient portraits, furniture, utensils and a collection of household articles used by the Nawabs during their occupation here.

o Folks Arts Museum - located at Snagoan, Dhaka. This museum was built in 1975 fulfill the wish of the famous painter, Shilpacharya Zainul Adebin. This museum is the home of the country's cultural heritage. Exhibiting the Bangladesh's traditional and uniquely designed artworks.

o Science Museum - located at Agargaon, Bangladesh. this museum is where modern and the latest scientific discoveries are being learned. It is actually a learning center-turned museum. The Science Museum is built in a unique and modern architectural design.

Ms. Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. She is a Systems Engineer, a Technology Researcher and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. She and her family is well-traveled all over the world!

Her blogs and websites focuses on stay-at-home moms, dads and students who wants to work at home, build homebased business http://www.mommyisworkingathome.com

Visit her Interesting Site on Asian Travels and Destinations. Discover Asia's Culture and Great Food! at http://www.goingplacesinasia.com


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San Diego Art Galleries

San Diego Art Galleries


By Kamalesh Jayaraman

San Diego is the home of arts collections. The city has many popular art galleries and the same genre of museums. They have been recognized all over the world for their comprehensive permanent collections. Galleries in San Diego are also famous for the diversity of their temporary exhibits. Balboa Park is a place to start with for serious art appreciation.

It is home to a cluster of galleries like the Timken Museum of Art, the Mingei International Museum and the Museum of Photographic Arts, as well as the acclaimed San Diego Museum of Art.

San Diego Museum of Art

It holds around 12,000 pieces of art. Among 12000 pieces of which only a selection are on display at any one time. This comprehensive museum / art gallery also displays regular temporary exhibitions. The Museum of Art is especially noted for its collections of Spanish Baroque and Indian paintings.

Attractions that are nearby include both the city's Art Institute and the Old Globe Theater. It is open between Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00 (21:00 on Thursdays)

Timken Museum

Standing close to the Balboa Park Visitors Center, the Lily Pond and the Botanical Gardens, the Timken Museum of Art is just a short distance from the Japanese Friendship Garden and the city's Natural History Museum. Founded in 1965, the Timken contains a plethora of old masterpieces from around Europe, together with a selection of tapestries and sculptures.

Notable artists exhibited here include the likes of Rembrandt van Rijn and Peter Paul Rubens, amongst others. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00. On Sundays it will be opened from 13:30 to 16:30. The admission provides discounts for students, seniors and children, children under five can enter free of charge.

Mingei International Museum

This fascinating museum was started in 1978 and holds temporary exhibitions of folk art and crafts all over the world. Highlights at the Mingei International Museum contain exhibitions of textiles, costumes, jewelry, toys, pottery, painting and sculpture. In the summer of 1996, the Mingei migrated to its current residence at the House of Charm, standing on the Plaza de Panama, within Balboa Park.

The timings is from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. San Diego hotels host the visitors cordially that whenever they return to the city, they will come back to the same hotel.

Cheap car rentals are available so that the visitors don't have to search for transport facilities to visit the many parts of the city.

For any assistance on articles or content development, feel free to mail me @: kamalesh.kj@gmail.com


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5 of the Worlds Greatest Art Galleries

5 of the Worlds Greatest Art Galleries


By Musa Aykac

Whether you like art or not, once you visit a gallery of art you get some what absorbed by the surroundings and they really can be quite fascinating. Art does not have to be just about pictures. It can be in any form such as fossils, or monuments. There are some great art galleries around the world, but let's just take a brief look at five of the best.

Natural History Museum, London

This museum is based in the Kensington part of London and has a huge collection of items. The museum is steeped in historical events and was first opened in 1883. The gallery is currently famous for its dinosaurs section, with fossils from around the world and interactive activities.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Founded in 1870 and officially opened in 1872, this museum is full of great imagery. A very large roman designed museum which consists of ancient, modern, musical and medieval art from around the globe. The museum is world renowned and has been featured in movies and games such as grand theft auto and I am Legend.

Louvre Museum, Paris

This lovely building which is based in Paris is one of the most visited tourist museums in the world; opening its doors in 1793 it had an exhibition of around 537 paintings. But there were a few structural problems which saw the museum close for 5 years.

Museo del Prado, Madrid

This museum has one of the largest collections of 12th to 19th century European art. The museum has now around 1,300 paintings currently on display which make it a world glass exhibition for anyone. The building first opened its doors in 1819, with its first enlargement taking place it 1918.

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

Finally we have the art gallery and museum based in Australia, which was founded in 1861 making it the oldest public gallery in the whole of Australia. The museum consists of a fabulous international collection as well as a modern collection which features textiles, fashion, photography, and Australian Aboriginal art.

Visiting anyone or all of these museums will give you a great insight into the historic world, not only that but a lot of these structures now consist of modern and urban art. So you will be able to see a timeline that spreads over thousands of years, right from the dinosaurs up to the current year. Museums store a wealth of information and can be a fun and fascinating time

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Top US Art Galleries

Top US Art Galleries


By Michael L. B.

When you think of museums and galleries of great art, it is easy to think of Europe. Certainly with the Renaissance of the 14th to 17th centuries, the number of works of art surged. It was natural for galleries and museums to spring up to house these masterpieces. America, on the other hand, wasn't even a country during this time period. Don't let that fact mislead you into thinking that there are no great art galleries in the US.

As America grew, she became a country of great wealth and power. This lured many Europeans to immigrate to America for a better life. Included in these numbers were artists such as Marcel Duchamp, who is considered the father of object art. He left Paris during World War I for the safety of America. The Roaring Twenties became a time of great change in culture, art, and societal norms in the US. America's move to the forefront of the art world became most evident following World War II. Because of the physical devastation to much of Europe, the art community was all but forgotten there. However in the US, artists and varying art styles developed.

The 20th century brought American realism and modernism with artists such as Mary Cassatt and George Bellows. The American Southwest movement had notables including Bert Greer Phillips and Georgia O'Keeffe. Artist Aaron Douglas and photographer James VanDerZee were included in the Harlem Renaissance. The Depression brought about New Deal Art, and Abstract Expressionism was a popular Post-World War II art form including artists Jackson Pollock and James Brooks. More modern American movements included Pop Art and Conceptual Art.

As American art grew, so did US art galleries and museums to display the pieces. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, America has many huge cities, and each one has notable galleries worth visiting. Some of the more famous ones include the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian Institute and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., the Orlando Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the San Diego Museum of Art. Sometimes galleries are specific to one artist such as the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe or the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.

If you are considering a career in art, don't limit your education to just a good art school. Broaden your horizon by visiting as many art galleries across the US or just in the state where you live. Collections constantly change, giving you opportunities to regularly expose yourself to a variety of art. There will be no greater thrill than when your own art is displayed in a gallery for all to enjoy!

Most art schools will include in their curriculum trips to art galleries. The most exciting way to learn what life is like for an artist is to see his work. I recommend choosing a top art school in a city with many art galleries and museums.


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Top 10 Art Galleries in London

Top 10 Art Galleries in London


By John Downes


The National Gallery of London features works by European painters from the Renaissance to the Impressionist era. You will marvel at the beauty of work by Da Vinci, Botticelli, Renoir, Cézanne and Vincent Van Gogh. At the Gallery there are plenty of exhibitions, lecture programmes, audiovisual productions and guided tours for adults and children alike!

Entrance is free to the National Gallery and the Gallery is open from 10am to 6pm daily, and Friday until 9pm.

Somerset House

Located in the fashionable West End alongside Waterloo Bridge, the wonderful architecture and art at Somerset House will give you a warm welcome - and the year long programme of live arts and visual performances will definitely add to your visit! The art gallery here features work from Rubens, Manet, Cezanne and Van Gogh. The brand new Embankment Gallery offers over 700m of exhibition space with a focus on modern and contemporary art.

Safra Fountain Court is a venue for open-air film screenings and summer concerts, and an impressive ice rink in the winter!

The Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in 1768. It is the oldest art collection establishment in Britain. It is located in the West End area on Piccadilly. Some of the best exhibitions in London are held here. The Summer Exhibition that is held annually features work by emerging artists. Some of the wonderful works of art on display here include paintings by Gainsborough, a sculpture by Michelangelo, and a copy of the "Last Supper" by Da Vinci.

The Royal Academy of Arts is open from 10am to 6pm daily and 10pm on Fridays.

Tate Modern

No trip to London is fulfilled without taking a trip to Tate Modern. It is one of the best-known buildings in London, and located along the banks of the Thames in the place where the Bankside Power Station once was. Check out the Turbine Hall, which extends the length of the whole building, and enjoy the art gallery for free which features work by art legends ranging from Cézanne to Jackson Pollock to Andy Warhol.

Tate Britain

Tate Britain is home to the largest collection of fine art from Britain in the world. The Gallery displays work from the last 500 years - including work from Gainsborough, Constable, Hepworth and Bacon. The Clore Gallery in particular is well worth a visit. Tate Britain is open daily from 10am to 17.50pm.

National Gallery and Portrait Gallery

This Gallery is located to the north of Trafalgar Square, and is home to some of the finest modern art in Europe, featuring esteemed artists from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. If you are visiting with the family, the kids will love the National Portrait Gallery next door, and you will have fun as you all put names to the portraits of famous British people from the Tudor Kings era to the present.

The Hayward Gallery

This Gallery is the focal point of the visual arts at Southbank Centre. There are regular art exhibitions here featuring work by Gormley, Flavin and Lichtenstein. The Brutalist style of architecture in this gallery will lead to a conflict of emotions for you - you will either love it or loathe it!

The Wallace Collection

Enjoy some pre 20th century art at the Wallace Collection, in the Manchester Square area which is located off Oxford Street. The Wallace Family once owned this wonderful building. If you want a break from shopping at Oxford Street then this is the place to go! It features a brilliant collection of 18th century French paintings and furniture. The most famous artist on display here is Franz Hals. The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm.

Guildhall Art Gallery

This gallery is located in the Guildhall Building, located off Gresham Street. It has a huge collection of art, but around 250 paintings are only displayed at a time. The Gallery was opened in 1999 to the public. The building is of historical importance as it was nearly destroyed by a Nazi air raid in 1941. There are plenty of exhibitions here, with varying themes explored.

Whitechapel Gallery

If you are visiting the East End areas of London such as Petticoat Lane Market and Brick Lane, then Whitechapel Gallery is well worth a visit. It is located at 80-82 Whitechapel High Street, and features some great modern art and paintings from emerging artists.

Hope you enjoyed our guide to the Top 10 Art Galleries of London. The best way to travel around the UK and explore wonderful cities like London is to hire a car.

John writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5,000 locations worldwide.

Heading to the UK on holidays? Visit Novacarhire.com's Car hire UK page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers.


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Art Online - Learn How Online Art Galleries Benefit the Artist and the Buyer

Art Online - Learn How Online Art Galleries Benefit the Artist and the Buyer


By Elena Marchese

Art gallery sites provide market space for sellers and buyers of artistic pieces. It`s a very effective instrument, which connects national and international buyers with artists directly. Artists exhibit their creations in online expositions letting potential buyers select pieces online comfortably and fast. It`s progressive device, which allows them to sell their creations inexpensively and with no commissions.

These websites have high quality images of pieces which are divided by medium - watercolor, oil, pastel, portraits and others. Also, these expositions can be separated by subject - animals, abstract, urban, etc. Among traditional styles, they also have new fine art such as computer animation, digital pieces, etc. Visitors may find interesting and rare creations such as paper prints from the 1950s and 1960s, oil on canvas from the 1930s, Russian works from the Soviet epoch and other out-of-the-ordinary vintage creations.

Art galleries are an effective way for the unknown artists because they have high traffic and always develop and create traffic to it. A single unknown master can create his own site, but it may not have enough traffic on it. They may link their own site with the website. Well-organized marketing strategy helps to keep these galleries search-friendly and visible. It drives more traffic and more people will know about the him and his work. Online expositions have a featured painters list with masters, who have the most perspective on such works.

Painters also can use some tools to increase exposure to their galleries. For example, they may send an e-card with their creations to potential buyers. These galleries also allow clients to send their work as e-cards. Web exhibitions provide public information about artists: their stories and bios. They are welcome to publish articles about their work on these sites. In their articles, they can explain their vision, providing insight into their talent. They may write everything, whatever they think may be interesting and reflect their artistic point of view.

Online museums of art are, in and of themselves, great web exhibitions. They have collections of masterpieces from all over the world. There are thousands of works of masters from all history, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Caravaggio, Raphael and others. Galleries of famous works are very important from both a cultural and education prospective. They include not only the most famous works, but they also have lessor-known paintings of famous painters. There also is available biographies of the masters and history of the particular piece.

Online art sites also have information about classes, tools and supplies, news, etc. An interesting idea was to create activities for children. A range of activities for kids are included between other history lessons and color selection games. Kids may like painting technique demonstrations and drawing projects. Students probably will have a lot of fun imitating popular masters. Or, they may be happy using different styles on the base of masterpieces with tools, provided by these websites.

Another article that may be of interest to you is called "New York Art Galleries". It can be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.artgalleries.cc/New-York-Art-Galleries.html

For more information about art online including art galleries, fine art, fantasy ar and more, please visit the following link: http://www.artgalleries.cc


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A Guide to the Art Galleries of Barcelona, Spain

A Guide to the Art Galleries of Barcelona, Spain


By Paul Symonds

Galleries in Barcelona are a wonderful experience, both for art lovers and also for those who may not be well versed with art. They contain some of the most beautiful pieces of work by Barcelona artists, whether famous or local. The tone of the galleries tends toward the classical, with some mix of the modern.

To start with, there is the Fundación Francisco Godia. This gallery displays a broad array of paintings, sculptures and pottery. Some of the pieces that must be seen in this particular gallery include old, Romanesque sculptures, and some pottery from the Middle Ages.

Arguably one of the best art galleries in the city of Barcelona, the Galería Brok has a timeless collection of ancient art and old paintings. Additionally, if one wishes to buy an antique piece of furniture, the gallery hosts a sale for some unique pieces, even featuring pieces from other countries in Europe.

Galería d´Art Manuel Barbié is another art gallery that has focused on ancient pieces of art. Art lovers will find the gallery in the L'Eixample area of the city, along with many other galleries. The pieces showcased here are mainly paintings, sculptures, drawings and archaeological artefacts.

The exhibits at the Centre Cultural Fundació La Caixa are mainly of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and photographs. The Centre Cultural Fundació La Caixa art gallery has been set up in a modernist building, which is supposed to be one of the most unusual buildings in Barcelona.

Fundació Joan Miró is housed in one of the greatest examples of museum architecture in the world. Designed by Josep Lluís Sert, the building exudes approachability and dispels the common mustiness of a museum. This gallery houses the work of the famous Spanish artist, Joan Miró. The collection spans around 225 paintings, 150 sculptures, Miró's graphic work, and around 5,000 drawings. The gallery also contains work that has been donated by 20th-century artists.

The Picasso Museum is a true tribute to the mastery of the great artist. The gallery spans a row of medieval mansions. Although the collection doesn't showcase all his work, it functions as a record of the formative years of Picasso that were spent at La Llotja art school, hobnobbing with the Catalonia's fin-de-siècle avant-garde. The real showstopper piece in this gallery is the complete series of 57 canvases based on Velázquez's famous Las Meninas, which were donated by Picasso himself.

Paul Symonds writes about Barcelona art exhibits and on getting to Barcelona.


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Discover the Uniqueness of Indian Art Through Indian Art Galleries

Discover the Uniqueness of Indian Art Through Indian Art Galleries


By Pankaj Kumar Singh

Indian art is getting famous in every part of the world. It is quite true that the richness of this art has made it so famous.

In fact, people hailing from various countries visit India every year to get an idea about the uniqueness of this art. They want to see Indian paintings. Some of the Indian modern and contemporary artists have become so famous that their paintings are sold for huge amounts in auctions at UK and US. Such auction events have become regularity in foreign countries. Indian art, art works and Indian Contemporary paintings of such artists are well displayed on online Indian contemporary art galleries websites.

Such artists are Ravi Verma, MF Hussein, S.H. Raza, V.S.Gaitonde, Jogen Choudhury, Subodh Gupta, F.N. Souza. Alok Bal, Sudhanshu Sutar and Atul Dodiya. However, if you desire to buy some art relics, it has not required that you pay a visit to this country. An online art gallery exists for your benefit where you can view the most authentic work of Indian contemporary artists. A contemporary art gallery can serve all your needs of viewing art because it can show you everything online.

All you need to do to locate such an art gallery is to type the word Indian art in any search engine bar and art galleries in India will be revealed to you. Such results will contain all the information about the Indian art and Indian Paintings. In fact, paintings from famous Indian artists are also available online. Indian Paintings are also a perfect accessory for your living room and can be easily bought from such sites. Such online shopping of art is quite cost and time efficient because you cannot afford to go to India every time.

Indian art is timeless and that's why everyone desires to use it to the best. It is also an excellent item for those people who love to collect products of Indian art. However, make sure that you are fully convinced about the authenticity of the art dealer from whom you are getting such relics. This can only ensure that you get a high value for the money expended by you. Using such pieces of art ensure that you relive the experience of visiting India every time you see them. It's always better that you get some information about the credibility of the art dealer from your friends.

If the work of the art stored by Indian Art galleries is not authentic, it is no use of paying so much for it. An original fine art piece is only worth investment because it displays the talent of the artist. His skills cannot be reproduced in imitations. Check the portfolio and list of Indian artists to land your hands on the best and the most creative of artists.

Mr. Pankaj is providing Art Invest Gallery - Online Indian Art Galleries for Contemporary and Modern Indian art is all geared up for exposure to the world of art. Art Invest gallery has in store the best of Indian artworks for sale amongst Indian art galleries of renowned and upcoming contemporary Indian artists which are surely a treasure and estate to investors. The collection of the online art gallery from India includes Contemporary Paintings, Drawings, Sculptures, Photography, Prints and Other Mixed Media of Fine Art.


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The UK's Five Finest Art Galleries Outside of London

The UK's Five Finest Art Galleries Outside of London


By Roo Sadegi

It is no secret that the city of London is one of the great cultural centers of Western society, and the downtown area is home to a number of world famous art galleries. However, many of the United Kingdom's finest art galleries are located outside of the boundaries of London. Here are five of the United Kingdom's top art galleries located outside London that every art lover should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives

Although the famous Tate Britain and Tate Modern museums are located in London, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives are both very fine art museums that stand proudly on their own. The Tate Liverpool museum is well known for its collections of contemporary and modern art and frequently features exhibitions that are on tour from all over the world. The Tate St Ives museum, on the other hand, has more of a focus on contemporary art on display through the museums relationship with Cornwall. An excellent sculpture garden is one of the museums permanent installations, and themed collections from Tate rotate through the museum seasonally.

Royal Museum and Art Gallery

Located in Canterbury in south east England, the Royal Museum and Art Gallery has a stunning collection of top decorative arts and portraits primarily dedicated to collections of historical merit. The Royal Museum also features a permanent gallery dedicated to Thomas Sidney Cooper, an artist famous for his pastoral works.

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum

For travelers who have an interest in furniture making and metalwork, the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum deserves special interest. Large portions of this museum are dedicated to items created during the Arts and Crafts Movement, and these collections are considered to represent some of the finest creations of the movement in the world. Rare Dutch paintings and pottery from ancient China and early England are also on display.

Fitzwilliam Museum

Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum is the perfect destination for art lovers who are in search of a comprehensive collection of painting representing artistic movements ranging from early antiquities to Post-Impressionism. Some of most interesting works in the museum include paintings by William Blake, Titan, Ingres and Turner.

No matter where your travels take you in search of art in the United Kingdom, there are hotels available throughout the country to suit tastes ranging from luxury accommodations to a modest hotel perfect for travelers on a budget.

Roo Sadegi is a travel writer based in London's East End, although he spends much of his time travelling around Europe's travel hotspots.


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Art Mediums & Means Of Expression

Art Mediums & Means Of Expression


By Jayesh Chudasama

'What counts most is finding new ways to get the world down in paint on my own terms.' Said Michelangelo.

Medium is not bar in art. We are already equipped with multiple art techniques and art mediums. When I talk about art; it is not limited to only watercolor painting or oil painting in terms of painting, only sketching or drawing with pencil in terms of sketch or making sculpture using stone or wood in terms of sculpture. It is more than that.

Artists use multiple methods, processes or means of expression to state their points. What would you imagine when it comes to painting? Multiple colors on canvas!! How is it to paint complete canvas with one shade without using any normal pigment or color?

There are such distinct art forms including Sand Painting, Clay or Ceramic Painting, Indian Mural art, Digital art, Fax Art, Crop Art or Coffee Painting.

Sand painting is made of sand, Clay or Ceramic Painting is made clay or ceramic, Indian Mural art is made of natural pigments and vegetable colors, crop art is made of seeds, Glass Painting and coffee painting is made of pure coffee.

Leaving canvas a side, artists also think of creating art on wall, vehicles, rock or stone, wood, bamboo or water. Mural art of Europe, Auto Art & Truck Painting in India, Bamboo art of Asia, Rock Art of Africa & Asia, Caves Paintings of Asia, Paper Art and art on wooden art such incredible art styles.

In terms of sculpture; Ice sculpture, Sand sculpture, Sculpture made out of throw away products and Megalithic Art (refers to the use of large stones as an artistic medium) are also addition to sculpture mediums.

Street Art (any art developed in public spaces) becomes nice art visit by everyone who passes from street. It defies rule of owning art by individual.

Promoting art is now no more limited to four wall closed galleries. To attract more visitors; exhibitions are now being held on plasma screen making digital show of any art. Open public show in gardens is good for sculptures and such giant work.

Tribal art such as Art of African Tribal Mask is distinct art medium to express historical saga and cultural beliefs.

Installation art is art that uses sculptural materials and other media to modify the way we experience a particular space. Materials used in contemporary installation art range from everyday and natural materials to new media such as video, sound, performance, computers and the internet.

Kite Art (a kite is a flying tethered man-made object) is famous art in Asian countries. From smaller to bigger flying objects are made to fly in sky. There is no other way to make sky beautiful then flying varieties of kits in sky.

Irrespective what medium artists use; they always try to pass their messages to the world these multiple forms of art. As Aristotle said - 'The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.'

Visit Art & Painting For Further Details On Art Mediums

Art Mediums & Techniques
Coffee Paintings By Amita & Mira
Art History Study


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Famous Art Galleries

Famous Art Galleries


By Richard Romando

Art galleries are the perfect settings for exhibiting art, generally visual art such as paintings, sculptures, and photography. Basically, art galleries feature a variety of art styles including contemporary and traditional fine art, glass art, art prints, and animation art. Art galleries are dedicated to the promotion of emerging artists. These galleries provide a platform for them to display their works along with the works of nationally and internationally renowned artists.

The U.S. has a wealth of famous art galleries. Many small towns in the U.S. boast of an art gallery. The High Museum of Art, Alleged Gallery, Henry Art Gallery, National Gallery of Art, Washington Gallery of Modern Art, Agora Gallery, Rosalux Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, The Alaska House Gallery, and Anchorage Museum of History and Art are some of the famous art galleries in the United States. Today, there are online art galleries exhibiting original artwork.

Many famous art galleries display regional pieces of art such as African art, American art, Indian art, and European art, along with folk art, modern and contemporary art, and photography. These galleries collect, exhibit, and preserve the works of art for the coming generations. Many famous art galleries strive to entertain and educate their regional, national, and international audiences. Some famous art galleries specialize in particular areas such as portraits. A good number of famous art galleries are owned and operated by government.

Most famous art galleries provide an opportunity for visitors to purchase outstanding artwork. Also, they organize several art-related activities such as music concerts and poetry readings for children and adults. Art galleries organize seminars and workshops conducted by renowned artists. Committed to excellence in both art and service, most famous art galleries offer you a rich, unforgettable experience.

Art Galleries provides detailed information on Art Galleries, Art Gallery Dealers, Fine Art Galleries, Online Art Galleries and more. Art Galleries is affiliated with Framed Art Prints.


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Abstract Arts & Abstract Paintings - A Panoramic Vista Cultivated With Mystery, Thrived on Veracity

Abstract Arts & Abstract Paintings - A Panoramic Vista Cultivated With Mystery, Thrived on Veracity


By Iran Lawrence

FOREWORD

I remember a while back, when I was faced with a very pressing situation requiring my instant attention. I was being interviewed live, on a major television station at prime time, along with showing a series of my slides in connection to the opening of an art exhibit. As soon as they wired me up, and situated me on stage, and only a couple minutes before going live, the very charming gentleman, who was to interview me, whispered to me the following: "I have no idea what to ask you, what do you suggest?" I said, no problem, if you ask me only 3 simple questions, I will handle the rest. He was relieved, and quickly jotted down the questions. The green light came on, we went on live, and wrapped up a flawlessly smooth and successful interview. Off camera, the crew came on the stage with big smiles, and acknowledged both of us; but they praised the interviewer, for surprising them as an art connoisseur!

DEFINING AESTHETICS

Aesthetics as a set of principles and branch of philosophy deals with questions concerning beauty and artistic experiences. As far as our general understanding of it is concerned it is a highly nebulous field, subjected to tremendous degree of misinterpretation, particularly in the field of abstract art. In any field of humanities where less accurately is known about that field and its principles have not been precisely formulated, the more authoritarian the field becomes. In the field of arts, with no exact fundamentals accurately developed, the techniques and approaches are wide open for the artists to imagine, explore and create their art.

The artist is also subjected to the "laws" of commerce, where various schools of divergent opinions begin to "teach" the artist "how" to be an artist and paint a certain way, citing the field's critics galore as she listens with an open jaw in lieu of reason. The "authorities," in the field of visual arts, most of whom have never painted any paintings themselves but are very "fluid" and "cultured" by having memorized a few standard opinions and artistic works and projects of humanitarian nature, analyze the paintings for the artist every step of the way, each time the artist presents a piece of her art for a critique, mainly to discover what's wrong with her art and how she should fix it according to these "professors's" brand of "expertise."

I admit to a tad of generalization here for making a point; but does any of this ring a true bell for you? Can you think of an artist you know who is or has been on this ship? I lived and survived through it all, trusting and believing that there had to be a logical and more nurturing way to free imaginative impulses so that the artist could paint as freely as he wanted. Something within me, was telling me, that something was inherently not quite right with the constructive criticisms that were to "teach" us how to view our own world of art, through the eyes of the "critics," excuse me, the professors. I had viewed this "school of thought" as an authoritarian method of teaching that smothered the thoughts, emotions, or efforts of the artist, but could not quite articulate the problem I was sensing at the time. I discovered later, that this mechanism of controlling thought through teaching, was only one of the elements in our society, which inherently brings about the suppression of the arts that stifles the creative impulses of the artists at the expense of the whole culture.

Artists are often "accused" of having their heads up in the clouds, and living within an unreal world of imagination. This brings about the necessity of taking a good and thorough look at just how reality bites. Plowing through several fields of study in search of a tool to measure the aesthetics and the creation processes can leave us empty handed, until we splurge into the field of philosophy to examine our thoughts and reasoning.

THE ART OF THINKING AND REASONING

Thinking and reasoning is a social activity for most people. They require the engagement of external forces as the individual is as much a part of society as the society is a part of the individual. From the moment of birth, the social labyrinth of customs, beliefs, languages, values, religions, politics, and other traditional ideas are all well positioned to mold the child into the image of those who the child is surrounded with, and it is thoroughly based upon faith and belief. So masterfully the operation is instilled into the society as social heredity that even science has often mistaken it as being genetic.

English philosopher and author Francis Bacon (1561-1626), and another English philosopher and mathematician Issac Newton (1642-1727), and others have developed ways of thinking and reasoning that requires a fact in order to be proven must be measured, sensed or experienced. And when we thrust this into the realm of mind and spirit we find our willingness reduced in accepting facts based upon faith or belief.

For this reason, in appreciating life, and creating anything within it such as art, looking for answers and solutions exterior to our own sentient qualities, intellects or experiences is to lose concept of our own truth, values and individuality. And the artist, very often, bears the brunt of this philosophy of "independent thinking" and frequently subjected to criticism by those who have a firm grip on the traditions of status quo.

But the artist moves on, knowing where the roots of criticism lie, and reasons that people who resort to "criticism" operate in the absence of true understanding, and since no knowledge can exist in the absence of understanding, there we arrive at the presence of "ignorance." Thus, knowing the basis and the mechanism behind criticism, often serves as a tremendous source of empowerment and consolation for the artist to continue with his art on the grounds of certainty and knowledge of her art and transcend through the highest echelons of culture called: aesthetics!

Bacon had come to the conclusion that no field of study by itself is sufficient in the absence of another form of discipline exterior to it to align and coordinate it in the direction of its goal. We can elaborate further that it is not possible to walk a path aright in the absence of defining its destination. Therefore, to stay clear off the grounds of myths, mysticism and superficial approaches, we can take a look and see how the arts can be best served by defining its goal under the broad umbrella of philosophy that embraces all the arts, sciences and humanities.

Just as it is impossible to have a full view of a countryside by sitting on one of its boulders under a tree, every field of endeavor, to be fully understood, must be viewed and analyzed from a ground much higher than where it germinates. Thus, in the field of visual art's, we cannot look at an abstract painting's isolated data out of context without a consideration of its existence within the scope of a life that contains the art. Bacon say, that would be to use a candle to light a room that is illuminated with daylight.

ART IS COMMUNICATION

We all enjoy and desire a pleasant conversation with our associates, friends and family. But when we look, and inspect our environment, we notice that the great majority of our population, have difficulty with communication. A two way communication takes place, when we can freely initiate our thoughts or ideas to one another, acknowledge each other and continue this interaction, back and forth, by continuing with the sharing of our thoughts and ideas, very much similar to a friendly game of tennis; where the return of the ball, is dependent upon the quality of the serve.

There are times when we notice a break in communication, when either one of the parties, in its turn, fails to acknowledge and originate a thought or an impulse back, to continue with the conversation, or to bring about an optimum conclusion.

The people having these difficulties with origination, are generally accustomed to prepackaged amusements, such as a weather disaster, or an incident or story relayed by a coworker. They get very low on originating communication on their own, inspired by their own imagination; and they become somewhat vexed, when faced with an "imaginative conversationalist." This is either through their upbringing and cultural environment, or their education.

Origination is very important to bring about a communication. To this degree, these people communicate mainly regarding subjects that are handed to them by external sources. They see a news story, they talk about it; they get a call about a family affair, they talk about it. They wait for an exterior circumstance to bring about an interaction, otherwise they do not engage by "creating" a communication. They either have a compulsively irresistible urge toward doing something, or inhibited and behave awkward and unnatural in communicating. If they manage to engage, they often turn sharply, towards derailment of the dialogue, and bring about a good degree of resentment, ill will and unwanted conclusions.

The people who do not originate, or do not engage imaginatively, are inherently dependent upon others to give them primal reasons to engage in a conversation; this is due to being endowed with very little imagination. As a result, we can conclude, that a pleasant and engaging conversation, requires the participation of two imaginative minds, with similar endowment of creative impulses, to mutually create the art of communication.

The field of visual arts, follows the same principles, as art is a form of visual communication. The artist originates his communication as s visual message, through the presentation of his art, to his audience. The quality, and the presence of this initiative that he forwards in his art, forms the visual message, that he delivers to his audience; the quality of which, determine the response of his audience, to whether engage or not. Hence, arts much similar to personal dialogues and conversations, follow the same basic principles of communication, in its success or failure

An artist with low imagination, who does not originate verbally, does not communicate visually either. He originates no visual messages in his art, or when he does, it is so scarcely done, that it stirs up no interaction with his audience. This absence of expression, is mainly due to the artist heavy reliance upon the origination of the audience - as an external force - to brings about a communication, in the direction of his art, which is "silent." Thus, no emotional interaction takes place between the audience and the painting.

An artist, high on imagination, is more likely to enjoy the virtuosity necessary in the technical execution of his art. Thus, he is competent, to effortlessly and vigorously, create his visual messages on his canvas; bringing about an interaction between the audience and his painting.

The visual message does not have to be the same for every viewer. The message, serves only as a visual or artistic "code," to be subjectively decoded, by each viewer; much similar to a popular piece of music, that echoes widely by communicating to the listeners - same melodic tone creating a different mood in different listeners.

Thus, the communication quality of an artistic expression, is the artist's intention as a carrier wave, by which her message is delivered to his audience. The technical expertise, by which the art is executed, is also very important, and at times, successful all by itself; although, the quality of the visual communication, always remains senior to the technical execution of the art. The carrier wave, which communicates the artist's intention, to his viewers, is a phenomenon occurring between the artist and the viewer and resides within the realms of spirit.

IMAGINATION VS. COMMUNICATION

Imagination is the faculty or action of forming ideas in the mind and the ability to be creative and resourceful. The ability to originate communication, is in direct proportion with good imagination. The reverse is never true that imagination has to be imperiled first to result in failure of imagination to express thoughts and ideas. Imagination becomes thwarted and dulled in artists who become dependent upon others to reach out to them, to the point that they do not reach at all. These artists can then, greatly benefit, by rehabilitating the ability to originate, and initiate expressions of thoughts and emotions, and thus restoring their imaginative impulses in favor of creating communicative art.

Imagination is the driving force behind the artist's dexterity by which he executes his art and the deftness by which he communicates his impulses as visual messages. The more refined the artist's creative impulses, the clearer are his visual messages in sharing his thoughts, feelings, perceptions and other creative faculties with his audience. Imagination is the prior cause, which precedes the expression of art as its effect; a cause that unarguably and intrinsically, initiate itself in the future, as a postulate first, followed by an effect, which becomes expressed as a painting. Its conception is superior to its execution. Thus, the artist, through his imagination, continue to live in the future.

In the case of abstract expressionism, the art is the conduit for the dialogue, between the imagination and the audience, via the expression as a painting. The more the artist becomes intimately acquainted with the inherent truth, and virtues by which he was created himself, the more freer become his imaginative impulses, and the more spirited he can express his art.

Abstract expressionism, is a genuine fruit of the imagination. Imagination is the only form of wealth, that gives us art as its dividend. Imagination is where the art is conceived and germinated. Imagination does not work with reason, it does not attempt to classify the physical universe as real or imaginary, it does not assess or evaluate things into categories; it only conceives ideas and expresses them - nothing more.

The magic of art, does not exist in its execution, or presentation of feelings and mental imagery independently exterior to the mind. Execution, or presentation of the art, is the technical expertise; the externalization by which the art is expressed. The magic of art, particularly modern art, resides within the intellectual awareness of the mind, in conceiving and forming of ideas. The essence of creation, resides in its conception. When the artist, completes the formation of a conceptual idea, and it then arrives in the external world in the form of an abstract or modern painting, the artist has given birth to expression, and the creation process is complete.

Similarly, when we originate a verbal communication, the words we utter, are expressions of ideas we have already conceived and formed in our mind, what is being expressed in our speech. It is external to the boundaries of our imaginative and intellectual calculations, and subjected to the limitations of the physical or material means, by which they can be expressed; as it is not difficult to recall the times, when our thoughts or feelings, were far more beautiful, than what we have been able to express in our speech. The action of painting, the writing of words, the striking of the piano keyboard, are only the interpretations of the imagination in the field of thought and spirit. They do not exist in the realm of aesthetic creation, which is a spiritual pursuit.

An imaginative idea, is far greater in scope, than what the artist portrays on canvas. The expression, whether in the form of abstract painting, singing a song, writing a poem, or composing a piece of music, it is always limited to the boundaries and limitations by which they can be executed within the material world. Thereby, it is an alteration of truth conceived in the imagination. The extend of this alteration, as to how much the expression realizes, and fulfills the conception of the original idea released from the imagination, is not measurable, or fully known at this time.

A work of art is understood and appreciated by direct observation. Between the artist who creates the art, and the viewer who contemplates it, lies the magic: Expressive imagination. It is our own creative impulses, perceptions and recognition of the aesthetic expressions within the art, that allows us to experience what is being resonating to us from the artist; and thus, becoming engaged in a two way communication with the artist through his art; the art is an spiritual connection to the artist. Aesthetics, when fully perceived, elevates us into the serene realm of timelessness.

KNOWING IS SENIOR TO UNDERSTANDING

Knowing and understanding are two of the basic fundamentals in creating art. Knowing is a part of imagination within the mind, in which aesthetic impulses are conceived and transformed into artistic expressions; a process which is best understood by defining both: knowing and understanding; and why knowing is above understanding.

Knowing is an intrinsic quality of the mind, in variable measures. Knowing is a state of awareness and a perception in pursuit of a goal. It requires no reliance on exterior forces. Knowing is always accompanied with certainty, ability, and confidence. Knowing is a state of awareness; it is a given state of knowledge. Those with great abilities in a given field, have confidence and are fully aware of knowing that they know, independent of any external factors.

Knowing is different than understanding, which comes about with learning. Knowing is the enlightenment felt in perceiving truth. Knowing is self-contained. It is a singular activity which exists by itself and within itself. Knowing is knowing that one knows. Knowing is the faculty to perceive and the capacity for truth - it is a self-determined knowledge.

Knowing is self-assurance, it is self-belief. Something that is known without effort. The mastery in a given skill is knowing. The imaginative impulses of an artist that spontaneously conceives an abstract art is knowing. Knowing is the self-confidence by which a task is pursued. It is a certainty in thought, and knowingly perceiving that certain conclusions can be drawn. Knowing is the work of the imagination in conceiving an abstract painting, or making instantaneous conclusions, as to the completion of an art composition. Knowing is awareness of the truth within, and the certainty that it can permeate through any, real or imagined barrier.

Understanding on the other hand, is below knowing, because it is dependent upon the engagement of external elements, in the material universe, to fulfill its aim. It is the result of education, as a group activity involving the external world. Studying about prehistoric art, or modern art for instance, creates an understanding about these two styles of art. It does not rely upon our perceptions, or awareness of what is innately ours.

An activity in pursuit of understanding is a potential knowledge, as it is acquired, such as the study of a modern painting. It does not fulfill its aim by itself. Understanding is to come to know something in a certain direction; such as learning to play the piano, or a foreign language. It becomes skills in doing things aptly, which leads to knowing.

An ability to cook and enjoy good food with ones friends is understanding of how o cook and entertain. The ability to paint a piece of modern art is an understanding of the art itself. The ability to raise beautiful flowers and share them with our neighbor is understanding of gardening and creating goodwill. The ability and competence in having a successful conversation with someone is understanding of good communication skills. Understanding is the universal solvent. Understanding brings about peace and harmony. It can wash things away.

In the field of arts, exterior sources of reference, used as mimicry or imitation, compromises the integrity of imagination, ideas, thoughts and concepts; and so becomes impure the art, when it is created through understanding, and reliance upon external forces. Knowledge, purely expressed from within, through the mind and the spirit, is how the artist gives birth to new abstract forms. Abstract art is an example of origination of communication to the viewers as a pure presentation of self-expression.

VIRTUOSITY IN MODERN ART

Pure creation of fine art, such as abstract paintings, is an emotional activity that surmounts any rational thoughts or reasons, as it fulfills itself through an spiritual journey into time, motion and space, with light, color and form. It is an state of awareness, that summons the most innate essence of the artist's imaginative and analytical forces. The higher the awareness and the clarity by which he perceives, the higher will be the versatility, and willingness by which he performs along the various facets of life.

Johannes Itten (1888-1967), was one of the principal teachers of modern art at The Bauhaus School in Germany, whose teaching philosophy, has produced several great artists of the 20th century. Itten's principles bring to light, a greater and more in-depth understanding and appreciation of the values in acquiring additional skills in the field, outside of the arts. He believed, studies and mastery in areas such as philosophy, gardening, landscaping, sewing, woodworking, etc., were necessary in developing personal interaction and direct experiences with nature. In Itten's view, understanding life, it's structure, forms and textures, plays a significant hand in developing one's creative impulses. He believed, broadly acquired dexterity, was essential in the competent execution of art through memory and inspiration. Itten's concise and illuminating words on the subject are expressed more eloquently in the following quote.

"If new ideas are to assume artistic form, physical, sensual, spiritual, and intellectual forces and abilities must all be equally available and act in concert." - Johannes Itten

Hans Hofmann (1880-1966), a German artist, who lived in Paris in his youth, and was a patron of the French avant-garde movement. His friends, impressively included Matisse, Miro, Picasso and Bracques. He evolved through the revolutionary period of the Western art in early 1900, and later, when he immigrated to America, he became well regarded as the father of abstract expressionism. Hofmann taught the very effective approach of encouraging his students to explore within their own experiences, to develop artistic signatures unique to themselves; and consulting nature only as a reference. He articulates this concept partly as follow:


"Nature is permeated by rhythm whose variety cannot be restricted.

Art imitates it in this respect, in order to clarify itself and thereby

attain the same degree of sublimity, raising itself to a state of multiple

harmony, a harmony of colors that are divided at one moment and

restored to wholeness by the next. This synchronic action is to be

regarded as the real and only subject of painting." - Hans Hofmann

Through his technique of push and pull, Hofmann proved that the illusion of depth, space and motion, can be created abstractly, through the use of color and form, in the absence of representational imagery. His teaching was very influential in the progress and the development of abstract expressionism, specially in terms of his philosophical wisdom, that nature is the greatest art and artist and it is there not to be imitated but to inspire.

THE MOMENT OF JUDGMENT

The artist conceives his aesthetic ideas in his imagination, and transforms them into paintings. His paintings carry a visual message, and communicate it to his audience. These paintings are his artistic performance by which he tells about himself. His art, ought to be created purely for his audience, in the absence of any considerations given to any possible critiques given by the critics. People's emotional responses are the sole decision makers, as to whether the art is successful or not, based on the quality by which a the art communicates to them.

To disabuse you totally of any mysteries, involving the recognition of a successful work of art, here lies a simple acid test by way of an Asian tale: an ancient Chinese poet whose poems were laudably read throughout the land, had a simple test to insure the acceptance of his audience. Each time he wrote a poem, he surveyed its popularity in his town. He took it to an old flower lady he knew in the town's square and read it to her. If she liked it, he published it; and if she did not, he discarded it and wrote a new one. His very thoughtful and wise conclusion in doing this survey, was the following: that if his poems were understood and appreciated by a peasant lady in the town square, they will also be popular with his readers. So, here lies the simplicity by which a widely successful and pure work of art should communicate its essence.

The point here in terms of visual arts, is that a successful work of art, whether representational art or abstract art, has to impinge emotionally, upon people who view it, and bring about a sentient response that causes them to engage and understand the painting. When they understand it, they talk about it, participate in it, and put a part of themselves in it, to complete it for themselves as their own work of art.

The Chinese "flower lady" is the acid test for every good piece of art, which nullifies all the esoteric classified fallacies, put together by the "experts" who pontificate that a certain type of convoluted "knowledge" or "expertise" is a prerequisite for the public to understand and appreciate art, specially abstract art. Nothing is further from the truth. The simple truth is this: every individual viewer's instinctive, and instantaneous pulse of joy that he feels and senses strolling through his heart, as a reaction to the pleasure, brought about by viewing the art, is the ultimate judge; alerting the viewer, that he is in the presence of a successful work of art - and no more.

ARTS: A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

"Art is greater than science because the latter proceeds by laborious accumulation and cautious reasoning, while the former reaches its goal at once by intuition and presentation; science can get along with talent, but art requires genius." - German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

Purity of life force, or spirit does not belong to any part of the physical or material universe. It has no mass, no form, no location in space, no energy, and no motion. It resides in the realm of spirit; and that is not religiously, but spiritually speaking.

The more intellectually, and spiritually endowed is the artist, the more powerful will be his demonstration and expression of his ideas. Clarity of his concepts are directly related to the level of his awareness and his willingness to face life. The more purity, vitality and awareness the aesthetic mind of the artist attains, the more intelligently forceful and sentient will be his artistic expressions. Abstract art, in its purest form is expressed through the soul.

The interaction of the artist with his canvas, when he paints, is an awe-inspiring time of feeling totally free, from the concerns of the material universe; as he enters the sublime world of spiritual awareness. A state where, according to Schopenhauer, the sun can be viewed the same, either from a prison or a palace. It is this level of sublimity that saturates life with an enchanting beaut; assigning aesthetic quality to our sufferings, enabling us to view our pains from a much higher elevation.

Art inject serenity and calm into our space. It humanizes our relationships. It soothes our mind and soul. Art transcends us from the agonies of the transitory, and the material world, by placing infinity into our view. The best arts appeal both, to our intellects and our emotions. The magnificent field of art elevates the culture, and gives Man a splendor of peace and joy to rise to.

As the aesthetic mind, become purged and purified of its impurities and misconceptions, it begins to approach more towards the infinite level of awareness and knowledge in its purest form; an ascend, which leads the aesthetic mind closer to eternity; an awareness level instinctively knowable by those who have achieved a higher level of awareness; a level, where the aesthetic mind can effortlessly journey through distant times and places, to bring back imaginatively divine souvenirs in the form of art.

Copyright 2007, Iran Lawrence. All rights reserved worldwide.

Iran Lawrence, is a recipient of the University of Delaware Presidential Citation for outstanding achievement for exhibiting a great promise in her professional and public service activities. She thrives on a cornucopia of skills and know-how acquired since childhood from many masters around the world. She was already an accomplished artist when she entered the University of Delaware, College of Business and Economics and graduated with a B.S. degree in Economics in 1979. She later earned a M. S. degree in Interior Design from Drexel University, Nesbett College of Design Arts followed by an M.F.A scholarship to Temple University, Tyler School of Art. Her evocative abstract paintings convey an illusive interplay of glowing color-fields emanating warmth, beauty and calm. As a widely published and exhibited multi-disciplined artist, her life embodies a cosmopolitan flair deeply rooted within the wealth of her Persian heritage and further refined through the spirit and the genius of the West.

For a portfolio review visit: http://www.iran-lawrence.com

Blog: http://AbstractArt-AbstractPaintings.blogspot.com


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The Importance of Fine Arts in the Classroom

The Importance of Fine Arts in the Classroom


By Debbie Cluff

Fine Arts is defined in the Encarta Dictionary as being, “any art form, for example, painting, sculpture, architecture, drawing, or engraving, that is considered to have purely aesthetic value” (Encarta, 2004). Though this definition is used in relationship with the arts in the regular world, in regards to teaching, fine arts is defined as a subject beneficial, not essential, to the learning process and is often phased out because of lack of time, little learning potential, and no money. Fine arts is simply seen as painting and drawing, not a subject studied by an academic scholar. Writer Victoria Jacobs explains, “Arts in elementary schools have often been separated from the core curriculum and instead, offered as enrichment activities that are considered beneficial but not essential” (Jacobs, 1999, p. 2).

What is missing in classrooms is the lack of teacher knowledge of the benefits of maintaining an art- based curriculum. Teachers “have very little understanding of the arts as disciplines of study. They think of the arts instruction as teacher-oriented projects used to entertain or teach other disciplines” (Berghoff, 2003, p. 12). Fine arts expand the boundaries of learning for the students and encourage creative thinking and a deeper understanding of the core subjects, which are language arts, math, science, and social studies. Teachers need to incorporate all genres of fine arts, which include, theater, visual art, dance, and music, into their lesson plans because the arts gives the students motivational tools to unlock a deeper understanding of their education. Teaching the arts is the most powerful tool that teachers can present in their classrooms because this enables the students to achieve their highest level of learning.

From 1977 to 1988 there were only three notable reports demonstrating the benefits of art education. These three reports are Coming to Our Senses, by the Arts, Education and Americans Panal (1977), Can we Rescue the Arts for American Children, sponsored by the American Council for the Arts (1988), and the most respected study, Toward Civilization, by the National Endowment for the Arts (1988). These three studies conjured that art education was very important in achieving a higher education for our students. While these studies proved the arts to be beneficial to the learning process, it was not until 2002 when the research analysis of Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development “provided evidence for enhancing learning and achievement as well as positive social outcomes when the arts were integral to students’ learning experiences” was taken seriously by lawmakers (Burns, 2003, p. 5). One study, in this analysis, was focused on the teaching of keyboard training to a classroom in order to see if student’s scores on spatial reasoning could be improved. It was then compared to those students who received computer training which involved no fine art components. This concluded that learning through the arts did improve the scores on other core curriculum subjects such as math and science where spatial reasoning is most used (Swan-Hudkins, 2003).

This study shows how one little change in the way students are taught through the arts can have a powerful impact on their learning achievements and understandings. Another study showed at-risk students who, for one year, participated in an art- based curriculum raised their standardized language arts test by an average of eight percentile points, 16 percentile points if enrolled for two years. Students not engaging in this form of activity did not show a change of percentile (Swan-Hudkins, 2003). Though this may not seem like a big increase, at- risk students were able to use this style of learning to better understand their learning style thus bettering their learning patterns. The most interesting case study in this analysis involved the schools of Sampson, North Carolina, where for two years in a row their standardized test scores rose only in the schools that implemented the arts education in their school district (Swan-Hudkins, 2003). Teaching the arts needs to be incorporated in every teachers daily lesson plans because, based on these studies, students who are taught through the arts raise their test and learning levels.

Due to the high volume of attention President Bush’s, No Child Left Behind Act, has required in schools, teaching the arts is left behind. Another reason for the lack of arts in the classroom author Victoria Jacobs explains, “Given the shrinking budgets of school districts around the country, art specialists and art programs have disappeared from many elementary schools” (Jacobs, 1999, p. 4). Fine arts are being seen as non-educational or an extra-curricular activity. Therefore, when there is a lack of money in school districts, this subject is easily being cut. Teachers need to find a way to incorporate the arts into the classroom rather than rely on outside activities and Jacobs suggests teaching “through the arts… with a means of using the arts successfully and in a way that it is not just “one more thing” they must include in the curriculum” (Jacobs, 1999, p. 4).

The arts can open the minds of students in ways mere reading and writing will never be able to accomplish. Yet, the point of teaching this subject is not to teach about the arts, but to teach through the arts. Jacobs explains,

Teaching though the arts requires students to engage in the act of creative art. For example they might draw a picture, write a poem, act in a drama, or compose music to further their understanding of concepts in content areas other than the arts. Teaching through the arts helps students experience concepts rather than simply discussing or reading them. This approach is consistent with educational theories that highlight the importance of reaching multiple learning styles or intelligences. (Jacobs, 1999, p. 2)

Teaching through the arts can be done in many different ways depending on the teacher’s interests, but truly is the only way to reinforce the students learning experience. In a time where budget cuts and new learning laws are being established, teachers need to be more informed and educated on the negative impacts of the loss of the fine arts programs.

Three, veteran teachers at a public elementary school did a case study which involved teaching through the arts. They believed “our students had to experience cycles of inquiry wherein they learned about the arts and through the arts, and that they needed to see teachers of different disciplines collaborate” (Berghoff, 2003, p. 2).

The study was based on teaching a history lesson unit on Freedom and Slavery through the arts. Ms. Bixler-Borgmann had her students listen to the song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” in many different styles of music, such as an African-American Quartet, Reggae, and Show Tunes. She then incorporated this lesson into the importance singing played to the slaves at that time. Ms. Berghoff had her students read samples of African-American folk literature and write down sentences that made an impact on them while they were reading. She then incorporated those sentences into group poems. Ms. Parr explored two art pieces entitled, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and had the students talk about artwork by asking three questions: "What is going on in this picture? What do you see that makes you say that? What else can you find?” (Berghoff, 2003). She also had the students focus on the images, concepts, and meanings which the artists wanted to depict. Ms. Parr felt this would teach the students how to uncover the hidden meanings in other core curriculum subjects (Berghoff, 2003). After the study, the students were asked what and how they had learned from this style of teaching.

Many students wrote in their journals that working in multiple sign systems in parallel ways heightened their emotional involvement. They found themselves thinking about what they were learning in class when they were at home or at work. They noted that even though they had studied slavery at other times, they had never really imagined how it felt to be a slave or thought about the slaves' perspectives and struggles. (Berghoff, 2003)

The students had learned more from this lesson because they were able to use all styles of learning and were taught from an angle which is rarely used, through the arts. “Studies indicate that a successful arts integrated program will use these components to guide student learning and assess growth and development (Swan-Hudkins, 2003). The students were able to learn based on abstract thinking and find the deeper meaning of the lessons prepared by the teachers.

“The study of the arts has the potential for providing other benefits traditionally associated with arts….arts has been linked to students’ increased critical and creative thinking skills, self-esteem, willingness to take risks, and ability to work with others” (Jacobs, 1999, p. 4). With these benefits, teachers can not afford to limit their teaching of the arts in the classroom. Teaching through the arts are the key elements of learning and the traits teachers strive to establish and reinforce in their students. By working through the arts, instead of about the arts, the students’ educational experience will be achieved in a different way than just teaching the standard style of learning. Former Governor of California, Gray Davis, noted, “Art education helps students develop creativity, self-expression, analytical skills, discipline, cross-cultural understandings, and a heightened appreciation for the arts” and that “students who develop artistic expression and creative problem solving skills are more like to succeed in school and will be better prepared for the jobs and careers of the future” (California Art Study, 2003, p. 1).

Exposing students to abstract learning will teach the students about logic and reasoning and help them grasp what might not be represented on the surface. Recent Reports from the National Art Education Association (NAEA) confirmed with Governor Davis when they reported “Students in art study score higher on both their Verbal and Math SAT tests than those who are not enrolled in arts courses (California Art Study, 2003, p. 5). Attached is a copy of the test scores of students in the arts and students with no arts coursework.

What is a better way to enhance a lesson plan than to add another dimension of learning than by incorporating different levels of teaching? A company that has the basis of focusing on different learning styles is Links for Learning, [http://www.links-for-learning.com]. This company understands the importance of incorporating arts into the classroom. Former Secretary of Education, William Bennet wrote, “The arts are essential elements of education just like reading, writing, and arithmetic…Music, dance, painting, and theater are keys to unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment” (Swann-Hudkins, 2002).

An example of the benefits of teaching the arts would be the study of a teacher who taught the water cycle lesson through movement and music. The students were introduced to the water cycle in the traditional style of teaching, reading and lecturing. Yet, in order for the students to fully understand the “experience” of being a snowflake, the students listened to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite (The Waltz of the Snowflakes) and closed their eyes visualizing the adventure snowflakes encounter on there way to the ground. A great side effect of dance is that “exposure to dances foreign to them (the students) helps them to understand and appreciate differences in societies. Their minds become open to new ideas and a different perspective. This understanding helps to eliminate possible prejudice, enriching the student and our society” (Swan-Hudkins, 2003, p.17). While the music was playing the teacher asked them questions, such as, “How are they going to land” and “What do you see as you are falling”. The second time listening to the music the students were asked to act out the water cycle through movement and dance. Teachers should know “a class that includes dance can make students feel empowered and actively involved in their education. In creating their own dance, students develop conceptional thinking, which is not always expressed verbally” (Swan-Hudkins, 2003, p. 17).

With these activities, the students were able to become part of the water cycle instead of just using their listening skills and trying to mentally figure out this lesson. The teacher also had the students write a poem using words they felt while they, the snowflakes, were falling to the ground (Jacobs, 1999, p.2). “The motivational powers of the arts are significant as this teacher explained, “Hooking a kid is half, if not more than half, the battle of learning. If you can hook them, then you can get them to learn” (Jacobs, 1999, p. 6). Teachers need to gain access to all styles of learning which can only spark their motivational powers.

Harvard Project Researchers Winner and Hetland remarks, “The best hope for the arts in our school is to justify them by what they can do that other subjects can’t do as well” (Swan-Hudkins, 2003, p. 18). Teachers need to gain a better education of teaching their students through the arts. Without the arts, teachers are limiting their students’ ability to use their entire thinking process, providing less opportunity for complete comprehension. Teaching through the arts is the most powerful tool that teachers can give in their classrooms because it enables the students to achieve their highest level of learning.

With the lack of attention art is getting outside of the classroom, teachers cannot afford not to incorporate dance, theater, visual arts, or music in their lesson plans. Fine arts is the core curriculums constant and most important companion. No child should be left behind, and teaching through the arts will reinforce this idea.

Resources

Berghoff, B., Bixler-Borgmann, C., and Parr, C. (2003). Cycles of Inquiry with the Arts. Urbana, 17, 1-17.

Burns, M. (2003). Connecting Arts Education Policy and Research to Classroom Teaching. Presented at The Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Chicago, IL.

California Art Study. (2003). Retrieved on April 18 from [http://216.239.57.104/search?q=cache:IM_j8A3_whsJ:www.smc.edu/madison/about/draft_eir/appendix_f_purpose.pdf+benefits+California+art+study&hl=en&ie=UTF-8]

Encarta Online Dictionary. (2004). Retrieved on April 17 from http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/fine%20arts.html

Jacobs, V. and Goldberg, M. (1999). Teaching Core Curriculum Content through the Arts. Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Ontario, Canada.

Swan-Hudkins, B. (2002). The Effect of an Elementary Fine Arts Program on Students’. M.A.Thesis. Salem International University. Salem, West Virginia.

Debbie Cluff is the owner and tutoring of Links for Learning, [http://www.links-for-learning.com] She has recieved her Masters in Education and is currently teaching 1st grade in Orem, Utah. She has two children and is the oldest of 10 kids.


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