It turns out that the philosophers were right. Art CAN make you happier. Art CAN nourish both your body and spirit

The materiality of the installation has a colorful and reflective quality which changes throughout the day. In describing the piece Kéré shares, "At the installation’s center, the tallest baobab reaches a height of 19 meters, followed by one of 18 meters, then 17 meters. These three adjoin, forming Sarbalé Ke’s largest gathering space. Here, at the heart of the village, the baobab towers create space for visitors to flow through the trunks from all directions. This gives way to a light-filled, naturally ventilated and shaded interior, both evoking the wonder of daylight in the heart of a baobab while responding to the immediate need for shade in Coachella’s sweltering spring climate.”(archinect.com)

Look at the artwork below. I chose each of these as I sit in my MN home looking out at leafless gray trees, snow and (snurt… snow + dirt piled along the sidewalks). I find myself CRAVING color at this time of year and these pieces lightened my mood. Psychology says that color can enhance mood and studies show that looking at art can benefit our mind and spirit.

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When she began planning Bending Arc, she drew on her love of Florida’s nature and beaches and came from an emotional place of fun and leisure. She made patterns based on striped umbrellas from old postcards she’d studied and the barnacles that cling to the Pier. (Tampa Bay Times)

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Los Angeles, California: A pair of 70-foot murals by artist April Greiman, painted with hopes to attract new residents to a housing development project, became an emblem for the city. The paintings have appeared in local and national magazines, are used as the imagery for the city’s transit system and are often the backdrop of televised announcements from the mayor. These murals have come to represent LA, giving the city a symbol that resonates with citizens through energy, color and vibe. (The Impact of Public Art Projects on Human Health)

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One of the reasons fashion and art often go hand in hand is color. Color plays an important role in both, and can make or break its aesthetic. That’s why this umbrella installation in Águeda, Portugal is not only loved by the locals, but also attracts many international tourists. They provide shade in the hot streets, while casting bright reflections on passers beneath. And check out how they look like they’re just magically floating in the sky, brilliant charms of color. (shilpaahulja)

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The 40 ft tall bear can be found peering into the Colorado Convention Center and has become a favorite of tourists and locals alike.