The Inspired City, planned by the DMA’s literary series Arts & Letters Live, connects art, people, books, and ideas in creative ways, ignites curiosity, and offers unique experiences for all ages. On June 1, hear acclaimed authors talk about their latest books, meet them personally at book signings, and experience the DMA in new ways through interactive workshops and gallery walks led by authors, activities with artists, and more! All programs are FREE.
Rob Walker, author of The Art of Noticing: 131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday, will host a talk and tour at the DMA during this event. In his new book, he highlights a numbers of tips for enjoying your surroundings and stimulating creative thinking at an art museum. Here are some highlights to think about at your next museum visit:
PLAY “BUY, BURN, OR STEAL”*
- Challenge yourself to examine all the works in a particular space and decide which of the artworks you’d be willing to buy, which one you despise so much you’d like to burn it, and which one you love so much you’d steal it.
CONDUCT AN UNRELATED ACTIVITY
- Maybe it’s worth playfully accepting the notion of a museum as mere background, an environment we inhabit incidentally, as we do other spaces. At the DMA, we suggest walking and meditating. Come up with your own suitable physical and mental health regimens.
DISCOVER THE BIG WITHIN THE SMALL
- Look carefully and seek out the humanity and the humor and absurdity in things.
- Always be very curious and always be looking around.
- Find the joy in wondering about a toilet paper roll or a coffee cup lid.
MAKE IT ART
- Grant yourself the superpower of making “art” wherever you go, and see how that changes what you perceive. Art is everywhere, if you say so.
CHANGE IS TO COULD BE
- Try your hand at conditional thinking: prime yourself to think in conditionals instead of absolutes—see something not for what it is, but what it could be.
- Look for an answer instead of the answer, and see how you can shift and broaden your vision.
DON’T PHOTOGRAPH—DRAW
- Suppose the next time you’re tempted to capture a snapshot of an appealing or interesting scene, you draw it instead?
- Many people believe that they “can’t draw,” meaning that they’re not terribly good at drawing, or find trying to draw either frustrating or embarrassing. Be heartened that you don’t need to show your drawing to anyone!
- Get yourself a cheap little notebook and pull it out the next time you’re tempted to reach for your phone. Draw one thing—just one! Then do it again. Fill your notebook.
* “Buy, Burn, Steal” concept courtesy of Museum Hack
Adapted from Rob Walker’s “The Art of Noticing: 131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday” by Valerie Chang, McDermott Intern for Adult Programming and Arts & Letters Live.
