“Art is important. We tend to think it is a luxury, but it gives people deep pleasure because beauty is the personification of hope that something grander is at work.”
—Gil Dellinger, painter
Year after year The Rotary Club of Saratoga Fine Arts Show provides a community—focused event committed to providing a platform for artists to showcase their work to the public on the beautiful grounds of West Valley College. It is the highlight of the year for artists and art lovers alike. In addition to the art exhibitions, the show featured a variety of interactive experience, including artist demonstrations, workshops, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
Why bother going to art shows? Professor Samir Zeki, a neurobiologist with the University of London, scanned the brains of volunteers while they viewed 28 works of art, and discovered when a person views art they find beautiful, it triggers an immediate release of dopamine into the brain-a chemical related to feelings of love, pleasure, and desire. Involvement with artistic or cultural activities is associated with better health, lower anxiety and lower occurrences of depression.
Having spent about 7-years doing plein air watercolor painting with the Saratoga Community of Painters, it improved the quality of my life, it opened my mind to new ideas, and helped me become more self-aware. I have included photos I took of many vibrant and inspiring pieces from Rotary Show for your enjoyment.
