As the economy and job market continue to suffer, we are looking for any signs of hope we can find; especially those who dream of being a professional artist but are scared to take the leap for fear of becoming the dreaded “starving artist”. The good news is, there are recent studies that prove there is such a hope!

In the article, “Sorry: Art Is a Business” by Professor John M. Eger, he lists impressive statistics regarding the success and satisfaction of arts alumni. But, it did become clear that the success and satisfaction would be even higher if these artists had business savvy. While many schools do offer degrees that incorporate both art studies and business/entreprenuerial skills, these types of well-rounded curriculums are becoming a necessity. For example, at the Institute For Arts Entrepreneurship in Chicago, “there is clearly recognition that the artists in society can and must play a larger role in societal and economic affairs.” Creativity and innovation are necessary for improving our economy, and arts education is where it can all begin.

What do fashion designer Zac Posen, actor Robert Redford, pop artist Andy Warhol, and author Truman Capote all have in common? Before they were famous, they were all chosen as receipients of The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Earlier this month, 1,500 more students from all across the U.S. joined them on that list. These creative students produced work in categories such as sculpture, painting, novel writing, poetry, fashion design, and even videogame design.  Each year ART.WRITE.NOW.,  an exhibition of some of the chosen works, is displayed across the country and this year’s tour began at the Seattle Art Museum. ART.WRITE.NOW. is made possible by sponsors such as Dick Blick Co., Ovation, and Scholastic Inc.

CEO of Dick Blick Co., Bob Buchsbaum, was a proud speaker this year at the ART.WRITE.NOW. exhibition, showing his much appreciated support and generosity. For more information on award winners, dates, and locations  of this exhibition, please visit the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers.

Tattoo transformation is not what usually comes to mind when thinking of art therapy, but for Eric Spurth of Sacred Transformations that is all he knows. Graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a Masters Degree in Art Therapy, he began using his skills to transform scars, burns, and tattoos into works of art.  For many, those existing marks are a constant reminder of a troubling past, but with Spurth’s help, his clients are able to have a positive outlook on their future.

Spurth and his set of volunteers not only create the artistic tattoos, but they also help the client by working with them to set goals on who they would like to be. Best of all, if you are selected as a candidate for Sacred Transformations, the services are free!

Click here to read the rest of the article, “Art Therapist can turn Negative Past into Positive Future”. Or click here to visit the Sacred Transformations website to learn more about the process or make a donation!

Artists of all skill levels have been congregating at the Women Centered Art Co-op in Charlotte, North Carolina since it opened earlier this year in March. The center, founded by two artists, focuses its programs on the experience of creating art rather than the finished product itself. Members can participate in painting, sculpture, photography, film, music, yoga classes, and more.

Said member Jessica Copeland, “We all have regular jobs. Sometimes we lose that ability to be creative. This offers you an opportunity to find that piece of you again.”

To learn more about this growing program, read the full story written by Karen Sullivan for the Charlotte Observer:

Nurturing the art of creativity

Sir Ken Robinson will also be speaking at TED2010, a four day program held in Long Beach, CA with speakers focusing on the topic of “What the World Needs Now …” For a taste of what this year’s talk might be like, check out the video below of Sir Ken Robinson’s presentation at TED2006.

How important has creativity been in helping to shape who you are today?