What should I do for Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day has been around for a long time. We appreciate each other and show love for one another on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day, though is also a wonderful time to start making art, creating to gift your love, or show your love to someone.
Having selflessness and caring about others is a great place to start when it comes to your recovery and maintaining wellness. We can learn a lot about ourselves when we care for others.
Along with selflessness and caring, our journey in making art also shows we care about ourselves. We care about our art, mirroring how we feel about the world around us.
Merry's session, Art and Feelings created positive affirmation boxes. These boxes were heart-shaped in honor of Valentine's Day. The affirmation may be without words, or an artist can just paint the box itself, leaving the box open to fill with affirmations.
By using fine art and creating a positive affirmation all the while using a heart shape, the project is a representation of love and care
In the online magazine, Daily Art Magazine, there is an article called, "Five Ideas For Valentine’s Day Inspired By Art History", by Europeana. The article explains there are many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day by using the examples of Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis in art history.
How humanities all over celebrate care for one another has changed throughout history. We can see a lot of this change in Art History and the art we make today.
The Oyster Meal, Frans van Mieris the Elder, Mauritshuis, public domain
Some of the ways that have stayed the same, and you might try this month, from the article:
Choose True Love: The enduring theme for individuals to choose true love over money has been seen in art.
Get a portrait together: This is a great way to use our cell phone cameras and take a selfie with a loved one!
Write a Letter: Send someone you love a letter. They will be glad to get a note from you showing you care.
Share a Meal: Buy or take someone out to eat. Go to your favorite coffee shop with a friend
Go to a Museum or Gallery: See the love in art firsthand!
Resources and Works Cited:
Five Ideas for Valentines Day Inspired by Art History; by Europeana; Daily Art Magazine; February 9, 2024; https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/valentines-day-inspired-by-art/
