This article is by Keith Bond, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews.  You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

Imagine a world without art.  Would the piazzas of Rome have such romance?  Would people from the world over flock to the Sistine Chapel just to look up at an unadorned ceiling?

Imagine a world that had never known Mona Lisa’s smile.  Consider a world without the vision of Monet or Rembrandt. 

Art has, both directly and indirectly influenced business, politics, industry, and international affairs.  It has shaped cultures, nations, and even world history.

Let’s bring it closer to home.  How would your home look without art?  What, if anything, would you put on your walls?  Would your house feel like a home?  Cereal boxes would be generic.  Your kitchen table would be completely utilitarian.  Your clothing might resemble something from centuries past – or worse.  How much variety would there be in automobiles?  Would car designs ever change or would we still be driving Model Ts?  Would the Model T look different?  

Our world would be drastically different without art. 

I know my life certainly would be different.  I am not just talking about my own art (although that is a hugely significant part of it).  It’s much more than that.  Art has moved me in many ways.  It has touched me deeply.  I have been taught.  I have been uplifted and enlightened.  I have been consoled.  My imagination has been sparked.  At times I have been confused or even agitated by art.  It causes me to think, to wonder, to dream, to act.  I have laughed, I have cried. 

The world is a better place because of the power of art.

What does art mean to you?  What do you do about it?

It matters not if you are an artist, collector, or simply an admirer or art.  It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor.  You may be well versed in art, or feel that you don’t know anything about it.  If art means something to you, you can act on that and make a difference in the world.  You can contribute to the betterment of society with your involvement in the arts.

There are many ways to be involved and supportive of the arts.  Just a few examples:

• Visit galleries and museums
• Become a docent at a museum
• Volunteer at a local school and teach children about art history
• Encourage art education in your schools
• Share your passion of art with your children or grandchildren
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper
• Encourage public art in your communities
• Sit on a board of directors or become a committee member with some organization which has involvement in the arts
• Become involved in your local arts and crafts show
• Read about art
• Attend an artist’s open studio night
• Host an artist’s exhibit in your home
• Surround yourself with art
• Purchase art that has meaning to you
• If you are an artist, create and share it with others
• The list could go on and on

Art is powerful.  Art is meaningful.  It enriches our society.  What does art mean to you?  Share your thoughts by commenting below.

Best Wishes,

Keith Bond

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Editor's Note:  You can read the original post on Keith's blog.