There’s a movement afoot in our modern society — a movement toward civility. Toward friendliness. Toward the sharing of ideas and support.
No? You may disagree…
One might think, and justifiably so, based upon a sampling of pop headlines and poorly curated news feeds, that this bold claim is wildly off-base. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of evidence which supports the notion of good neighboring rebirthing itself in our national—and even global—social consciousness.
All around us, in the midst of the mist and haze which sometimes comes to overthrow us — the fog of crumbling decency and basic human respect — all around us, there are new centers of thought, places of innovation, springs of fresh perspective and hopeful energy. What are these burgeoning sources of newfound generosity and excited expectation?
Yep. The neighborhood is coming back. The phoenix rises from the downtown dust to show itself in the form of shops and stores, groceries and eateries. The luxurious and quaint, the chic and boutique. See? The neighborhood has found new investors.
These investors are not simply investment tycoons with an interest in gentrification and cheap real estate. These new investors are interested in a deeper commodity. A kind of post-urban morality that stands on the foundations of common space and shared dreams.
Why, you’re probably asking, is a humble art blog commenting on a topic such as this? And what, you’re almost certainly wondering, does this neighboring movement have to do with art? Where does art fit?
Culver City Arts District, Westside of Los Angeles
Answer: right in the middle of it.
You see, embedded in the very genetic code of all art is the reflection of a deeper hope for a better humanity. A better experience. Even within art that dramatically illustrates pain and anguish — yawning chasms of human suffering — there lies a mirror within which we can see our better selves. And where do we see this art?
Galleries!
Galleries are where we go to see the visual accompaniment to social awakening. To see the reminders of our past — both dark times and light, effervescent and weighted. Galleries are sacred spaces where we may learn from artists what we may have forgotten about ourselves along the way — truths of which we desperately need to be reminded. We are hope. We are love. We are growth and building and newness and future.
And we ourselves, the woven tapestry of humanity, are art.
Station North, Baltimore, MD
We can see this art in our neighborhoods — yes. In in our neighborhood galleries. We can find the unique visions of small moments making a big impact on the trajectories and life paths of our younger citizens and their aged counterparts. Neighborhood galleries are a source of alternative inputs for the curious mind. We need more spaces and places committed to this good work — the work of aiding in the rebirth of the practice of good neighboring.
5th Avenue South, Naples, FL
In that spirit, our founder Marlissa, has opened a brand new space where clients and friends, appreciators, novices and aficionados alike may come and stand in front of art. Emillions Art’s new space is the perfect mixture of artistic diversity and creative curation. We are so pleased to be one small contribution to this larger moment of returning to the meaningful.
And while we understand that not all who read this article will have the freedom to visit our new space, please remember — the neighborhood space is the best chance for culture and artistic vision to grow! So, go and visit your local art havens! This is how we contribute to the movement of good neighboring!
