Art in Arlington

Mary McCleary. UT Arlington Art Exhibition on September 25,2014

My Art Experience

As a college student I sometimes go to the gym or take walks to clear my mind from all of the responsibilities that I have. So far I have saw results but I wanted to do something different today so I visited the art gallery. I have a great appreciation for art; whether it is music, literature, comedy or paintings. I am very drawn to art, although I can't draw at all! UT Arlington's Art Gallery opened last week so I decided to check it out.

Mary McCleary

When I walked in I immediately was impressed by the work of Mary McCleary. Mary is a contemporary artist and some of her pieces are based on stories from the Bible. I was told by the UT Arlington Art facilator that Mary began this collection in 1986. Mary had to read and study the Bible to get more perspective of what it was she wanted to capture. Her work is traditional but with a contemporary twist making it easier for the modern day person to relate.

Mary McCleary. UT Arlington Art Exhibition on September 25,2014

  Abraham sacrifices Issac

This particular portrait is based on the story of Abraham found in Genesis 22, when Abraham was about to sacrifice is own son but a angel came to stop him. Of all the pieces that I saw I was most interested in this one because it really "speaks" to me. I can relate to this story because I have heard it several times but to visually see it made me appreciate the Bible even more.

A personal touch 

In addition to the various spiritual factors that she has, she also captures her family within her work. I really enjoyed her work and look forward to seeing more of it in the near future.

Mary McCleary. UT Arlington Art Exhibition September 25,2014

How do you show your appreciation for art?

Music is beneficial

Upon viewing over my daily route I found that typically if I am not in class, work or in a business setting I am listening to music. Why is this? Well I love music but that isn't the sole reason why I am always tuned in. There is a certain serenity, energy and calmness that music brings me. When you think about it music is everywhere and in a lot of things. There is music in majority of commercials; it's in our cars, in the convenient store. If you haven't stopped to take a few minutes and think about the benefits of music let me give you a few reasons why you should.

 

Music in the Morning

I recently started a new career and I have to wake up around 5:45 am. I’ve never been the type of person that wakes up that early but now I have to. My alarm clock goes and there I am dragging to get out of bed. After a few minutes of listening to Pandora I am ready to take on the day because the music motivates me.The upbeat and inspiration stations remind me that I can handle anything that comes my way.

Music on your lunch break

After hours of either being in class or in the workplace you are most likely ready for a nap. With the help of upbeat music or classical whatever your genre preference may be, music can help energize you. Based on studies, it was been proved that music powerfully influences emotional ratings. 

Music before going to bed

photo courtesy of Casie D photography

I listen to music before I go to bed to help relax me. Usually I listen to gospel before bed. Gospel music helps keep me grounded after a tense day and it allows me to unwind. According to the American Music Therapy Association music can be therapeutic. It doesn’t matter what time of day you listen to music, what type of music you choose it can help you. Music can  restore you strength and help you relax. 

How has music helped you?