The word 'Art' is most commonly associated with pieces of work in a gallery or museum, whether it’s a painting from the Renaissance or a modern sculpture. However, there is so much more to art than what you see displayed in galleries.

The truth is, without being aware of it, we are surrounded by art and use it on a continual basis. Most people don’t realize how much of a role art plays in our lives and just how much we rely on art in all of its forms in our everyday lives.

Friday, February 21, 2025

The Joy of Art

You may be wondering why all of these things are so important to our daily lives and that you could probably survive just fine with essential items that were non-artistic. That is just the reason why art is so valuable! While art may not be vital to fulfill our basic needs, it does make life joyful. When you look at a painting or poster you’ve chosen to hang on your living room wall, you feel happy. The sculpture or figurines on the kitchen windowsill create a sense of joy. These varieties of art forms that we are surrounded by all come together to create the atmosphere that we want to live in.

Art and Music

The importance of art in our daily lives is very similar to that of music. Just like art, music can make life extremely joyful and can have a huge effect on our mood. In the workplace in particular, music is something that can help people set the mood for what they are about to do. If you have something hard or difficult to work on or are feeling tired, an energetic song will likely wake you up and add some enthusiasm to the situation. Similarly, when stress is high, many people find that relaxing to calming music is something that eases the mind.

Inspirational Art

Inspirational art, such as posters are often found in work spaces to encourage employees to continue being productive. There is now an increasing amount of companies using art in their offices, as well as playing background music, as it is proven to actually work in making end results far better quality. There may be a piece of art that you own that you personally find motivational. Perhaps a print with a positive affirmation or quote beautifully scrolled on it or a painting of a picturesque scene of where you aim to travel to one day.

SOME REASONS WHY ORIGINAL ART IN THE HOME IS AS IMPORTANT AS A BED

1. Creates Mood
2. Adds Personal Character to the Home
3. Makes Memories
4. Provides a Colour Palette
5. Makes a Room Feel Finished
6. Inspires and Fosters Creativity
7. Conversation Starter
8. Supports Artists
9. It is an Investment
10. Creates a Livable Environment
11. Keeps the Brain Active
12. Relaxation
13. Curating Your Own Gallery is Fun!

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Accommodation

Details
Category: Arts Journal

Please note that the accommodation we have sourced for WHC 2014 has been significantly reduced and in order to get these reduced rates congress delegates must pay in full before the 28th February 2014. After this date any accommodation booked must be paid by credit card.

The World Harp Congress 2014 organisers have spent the past few months locating and negotiating the best possible rates for the World Harp Congress 2014. The following accommodation offers a wide variety of all accommodation types to suit your requirements and budget. To avail of these reduced rates please book your accommodation when you register here on the World Harp Congress 2014 website. It is advised that you book early to ensure you received your preferred accommodation type. Accommodation rates are Inclusive of 10% GST


Accommodation Information
Accommodation has been selected to suit various budgets and requirements. These are significantly reduced rates and only available via the WHC 2014 registration site.

Registration & Accommodation Cancellation Policy:
Cancel before 28th February 2014 – Receive 100% full refund
Cancel after 28th February 2014 and before 15th April 2014 – Receive 25% refund
Cancel after 15th April 2014 – No refund


Four Seasons Sydney (Congress Venue) – 5 Star
Located minutes-walk from Circular Quay, overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour. This will be the home to the World Harp Congress 2014. The hotel is located on George Street (199 George Street) which is one of the most popular shopping streets in Sydney which is also the location of some very important buildings including St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the Sydney Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building. Georges Street is also where you will access the City Recital Hall on Angel Place. You can also access the City Recital Hall from Pitt Street (another popular shopping street in Sydney).

One king bed or two single beds, sleeps 2 adults, located on the 6th to 32nd floor. Bedroom size 26m2 (280sq.ft.) and bathrooms are stylish marble. Room Information & Amenities: Room includes the following down pillows (hypoallergenic pillows and bath soap on request), thick terry bathrobes, hair dryer, wired or wireless Internet access (free), clock radio, in-room safe, refrigerated private bar, tea/coffee maker, multi-line telephone with voicemail and twice-daily housekeeping service.

A combination of city-view rooms and harbour-view rooms are available, however we cannot promise a room type but will do our best to accommodate you in a harbour-view room. If this is your preference please note in your booking when registering.

Cost: $245
Per Room Only Rate – sleeps up to two people.


Ibis Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel – 3.5 Star
Centrally located in the heart of Darling Harbour, ibis Sydney Darling Harbour is one of Sydney's most popular 3.5 star hotels. Surrounded by an array of tourist attractions, restaurants and bars, ibis is renowned for its quality, simplicity and value for money with many rooms boasting spectacular views of Darling Harbour with a popular bar, restaurant and 24 hour reception. The Ibis Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel is approximately 20 minutes-walk from the Four Seasons Sydney Hotel. However the affordable rates will reduce your budget so you can hop on the Ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay or hop in a cab/taxi. The ferry trip takes 25 minutes. Ferries all need to pass under the Harbour Bridge to get to Darling Harbour. Go to wharf 5 directly if you want the Sydney Ferries ferry.

Room Information & Amenities: Two room types on offer at the Ibis Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel – Pyrmont View Rooms and Darling Harbour View Rooms. Pyrmont View rooms with standard queen bed or twin beds, sleeps 2 people. - Equipped with the new Sweet Bed by ibis bedding, the room with great views of Pyrmont, offers everything you need for a comfortable stay: cozy bed, internet, LCD TV and total blackout blinds.

Cost: $179 per room only rate – sleeps up to two people and does not include breakfast
Pre-Book Breakfast: $15 per person – this can be booked via the registration site

Harbour View rooms with standard queen bed or twin beds, sleeps 2 people - equipped with the new Sweet Bed by ibis bedding, the room with spectacular views of Darling Harbour and Sydney city, offers everything you need for a comfortable stay: cozy bed, internet, LCD TV and total blackout blinds.

Cost: $199 per room only rate – sleeps up to two people and does not include breakfast
Pre-Book Breakfast: $15 per person – this can be booked via the registration site


YHA Sydney Central – Hostel Accommodation
Conveniently located just across from Central Railway Station and interstate coach terminals. The YHA Sydney Central Hostel is a 30 minute walk from the Four Seasons Circular Quay. There is however a free shuttle bus that leaves from very close to the YHA Sydney Central Hostel that goes to Circular Quay. This runs every 10 minutes and the journey takes 10 minutes.

The following are the hours of operation:
Weekdays: 9am to 3.30pm, with a late finish of 9pm on Thursday evening.
Weekends: 9.30am to 6pm

A variety of room types are available including shared male and female dormitories (sleeps 4 and 6 people), twin and double rooms with shared facilities and en-suite. Services and Facilities include:
Café Catering,
Reception staffed 24 hours a day,
Wheelchair access,
Lockers in all shared rooms,
Room key card for security,
Internet access,
Mini Supermarket,
TV Lounges,
Laundry Facilities,
Games Area and TV,
Cinema Room,
Rooftop Garden,
Free Luggage Storage available. Rates include continental breakfast.

Costs: Dormitories (4 – 6 people sharing / includes continental breakfast) - $51.00 per person
Twin Bunk/Double Rooms (Shared Facilities / includes continental breakfast) - $112.35 per room
Twin Bunk/Double Rooms (Ensuite / includes continental breakfast) - $131.25 per room

How to Arrange Art

  • "People have a tendency to hang art too high," says Linda Crisolo, Art.com director of merchandising. "The center of the image should be at eye level." In living rooms, people are usually sitting, so artwork should be lower. A good way to ensure you're placing artwork at the right height is to hang it one hand width above the sofa.
  • A common problem when hanging artwork above a sofa or sideboard is that it's not in scale. Having pieces that are too small or too large will make the whole arrangement look strange. "Make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard," Crisolo says. "For example, a 9-foot-long sofa should have a 6-foot-wide expanse of art above it."
  • In the bedroom, choose personal art, such as family photographs or your own photography. If you're arranging the pieces in groupings, Crisolo recommends sticking with one color theme, either all black-and-white or all color photographs.
  • "Above a mantel or fireplace is the perfect place to layer pieces," Crisolo says. "A house looks like a home when you can see layers of artwork and accessories."
  • In the kitchen, hang art in a place where it won't get damaged by water or heat. Consider placing art above an office space, near the dining table, or above open counter space. Crisolo also recommends avoiding kitchen art in the kitchen. "I tend to shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen," she says. "Vintage art with traditional frames works in a traditional kitchen. In a modern kitchen, try bright colors with stainless-steel frames."
  • A symmetrical arrangement creates a striking and simple focal point. All-white frames and mats unify this grouping. "I like to use the same frames to create homogeny," says Crisolo.
  • When deciding where to hang images in your home, consider the wall space available and the arrangement of the room. "Use small pieces between windows and doors," Crisolo says. "If small items are in a space too large, the pieces look lost. With larger pieces, allow room for people to step back and admire the work."
  • Artwork collaborates with other accessories and decor to create a visual story. Make sure images, moldings, and shelves all work together. "Hang artwork in front of a bookcase, on the face of the shelf," Crisolo says. "The shelves and ledges become part of a decorating story."
  • Make sure your arrangement matches your decorating style. "Symmetrical arrangements are more traditional or formal. Asymmetrical is modern," Crisolo says. "Also look at the image and style of the frame. For cottage-style rooms, stick with vintage images or botanicals. In modern rooms, choose large and abstract pieces."

News, Home Events & Interior Ideas

American Farmhouse Living

21 February 2025