I have dream that all banks in the country of ours will one day support their artists
on a more personal level other than expanding their already full archives of lichtensteins, Picassos and Warhols. I want
to see them empower their local artists; the very individuals in their own communities throughout the US (maybe the whole
world one day) who work day in and out promoting and creating art in their hometowns with portrait art commissons, fairs
and yes, even hanging in restaurants (something I have done a lot of here in good ole' New York City. Banks across America
need to display and involve their artists and communities in artistic presentation programs for local artists by hanging
shows in their branches, having teas and openings to give back to the community.
THEY
NEED TO DO IT NOW!
Art in many is under served by these corporate institutions forcing artists to rely on fundraisers and local 'gallery'
shop owners to sell their work; and yes, again, restaurants and bars (again something I am proud to say I do to promote my
own art). Why are branches like Chase and Commerce opting for 'smiley ads and home loan posters' these days? Can somebody
tell me why? Even the Lichtenstein was removed from the local branch on 12th street here in the city. Almost as if me painting
the ladies and the New York Times writing about it caused the opposite effect.
I
remember when I could go to the bank with my mom and look at art or crafts and even get candy - ok, maybe the candy was a
bad idea for a 5 year old - but the art inspired me at a young age as I saw it hanging there bigger than anything I could
imagine in a book.
I know when something beautiful happens in the human soul and in the world. When I created works of the bank tellers at
Chase in 2003, I created art of people who have not only been kind but also inspired my art. The odd thing was, I never realized
the obvious while creating it.
That hanging a painting of someone behind themselves where they had to stand all day would create such an wonderful reaction.
That art of the hard working individual at the counter could bring humanity to the everyday corporate world. That people
would respond with joy and enthusiasm at just seeing the works. Works that addressed the people in them as well as the viewer.
That environment complete, spoke to everyone who came to bank.
If by some miracle a local bank officer reads this and decides the give some of their great talent in the neighborhood
a chance of course, I would suggest portraits of their own employees, LOL: but I think any art in general presented to
the public by your institution rather than a home morgage ad would be a NOTED improvement and a step in the right direction!
New and whimsical approaches to art and the subject matter can provide a platform for communication between the worker
and the patron, art can serve as a welcome mat when it calls out for conversation.
Local artists can cultivate a friendly working environment speaking to the people with their imagery.
I know the pontential of such a situation (giving artists who need recognition an outlet)
between corporate insitiutions and artists could only grow and I know as an artist of no such program exisiting right here
in my own neighborhood in New York - it just ain't there now - sadly.
If you share ideas, creativity and knowlege - it comes back tenfold. Disply art in your local bank today and if you can't
find any - ask why!
Art displayed at local banking facilites Untapped?
truly.
Why else would everyone that came into Chaset bank that summer when those portraits I created
were up be so enthusiastic and overjoyed at the change?
In fact, they still ask
for them, even today?
Through the love of art by one bank manager Carla Settle, something beautiful happened.
Olan/Artist 2008
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