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Transformative power of art

 

1996 

Many years ago, I threw away the items shown in this photo. 




I attended Corcoran from 1993 - 1997. This photo was taken of me in 1996 when I was still at the Corcoran. I studied fine arts at the Corcoran in the 1980s as well. 


The Corcoran Gallery of Art was formally founded as a public institution in 1869 at the intersection of Seventeenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. When the Gallery opened its doors in 1874, art students immediately flocked to the museum to observe, sketch, and paint copies of the collection's famous works. In 1878, William Wilson Corcoran donated additional funding to establish a school associated with the Gallery. When Corcoran passed away in 1888, a small building was built for the purpose of the gallery's burgeoning identity as a place for education in the arts. In 1890, the school officially opened as Corcoran School of Art.By 1897, the flourishing institution had outgrown its original home and moved to its present Downtown campus location. The renowned Beaux-Arts style building was designed by Ernest Flagg and is considered to be a premier example of the style. Despite difficult economic times in the 1930s, the school saw enough growth to continue expansion and began offering commercial art classes, scholarships, children's courses, the library, ceramics facilities and courses, weekend classes, and summer learning opportunities. The school became a member of the National Association of Schools of Art in the mid 1970's, and in 1978 was awarded its first BFA degree. The school became fully accredited in the 1980's.The College formally changed its name to Corcoran College of Art + Design in 1999 and has established itself as Washington's singular four-year accredited institution for education in the arts.”

Dynamic and passionate arts advocate with a strong connection to the rich legacy of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, founded in 1869. Committed to fostering creativity and nurturing talent, I have been immersed in a vibrant community that inspires aspiring artists to explore their potential. With a solid foundation in a diverse curriculum from the Corcoran College of Art + Design, I recognize the transformative power of art and its ability to forge deep emotional connections. Eager to contribute to initiatives that celebrate artistic expression and enrich the cultural landscape, I invite others to join in reflecting upon the profound relationships that art cultivates in our lives.


“Art can have a transformative power in the workplace in many ways, including:


Mental health

Art can help reduce stress and burnout, and increase productivity, focus, and job satisfaction. Creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music can activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and happiness.


Self-expression

Art can help people externalize their internal experiences, making them tangible and visible. For example, a painter's brushstrokes can represent their journey.


Connection

Art can foster a sense of belonging, empathy, and understanding, and build bridges across divides.


Branding

Art can be a unique branding element that sets a business apart from competitors. For example, a well-placed piece of art in a hotel lobby can make guests feel more relaxed and welcomed.”


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