Galerie's guide to gifts that support the arts.
7 Stunning Gifts that Give Back to the Arts
Not only are these presents beautiful, but the proceeds help support artists, artisans, and cultural institutions
From the beginning of time, art historically was work that was funded at the behest of wealthy patrons from the nobility or the church. As such, artists typically had less creative freedom as they needed to create works that the bourgeois consumers would want to pay for. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that artists began to make a name for themselves on their own accord and Western governments as well as the public began to help with funding. Today, museums and public donations are crucial for artists from around the world to be able to continue in their craft.
Thus, as it is the season of giving, Galerie wanted to share gifts that not only will look great under your tree, but whose proceeds also go to supporting art. From beautiful, handmade baskets that offer employment in marginalized communities in Ghana to geometric dinnerware that backs exhibitions at the MoMA, here are some of our favorite finds.
Decorative Floral Tea Kettle. Photo: Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum
1. Decorative Floral Tea Kettle from the Victoria and Albert Museum
When you buy these beautiful decorative tea kettles from the V&A, not only does your support go toward the museum but it also helps provide employment to the communities in India who hand paint each one.
Peeters Bouquet of Flowers Lacquer Tray. Photo: Courtesy of The Met
2. Peeters Bouquet of Flowers Lacquer Tray from The Met
Take a piece of The Metropolitan Museum’s eponymous art home with this stunning lacquer tray featuring A Bouquet of Flowers by Flemish artist Clara Peeters. All proceeds from the Met Museum’s shop go to support the museum’s exhibits.
28 Millimètres…Skateboard Deck by JR Photo: Courtesy of JR
3. 28 Millimètres…Skateboard Deck by JR from Artware Editions
This limited edition skateboard deck by JR features a printed signature from his ‘‘Women are Heroes’’ project. Not only will the purchase of this gift highlight the problem of how often women are harmed first during conflict, but proceeds will also go to support the Casa Amarela foundation.
Pakurigo Basket by Baba Tree. Photo: Courtesy of Baby Tree and Goodee
4. Pakurigo Basket by Baba Tree from Goodee
Give the gift of texture to a loved one’s home with these gorgeous, made-by-hand baskets from Goodee. Not only will you feel better about enhancing someone’s life, but you will also feel a sense of good from preserving a heritage craft in marginalized communities.
Arun Drummond Lines of Unity Print. Photo: Courtesy of the Gibbes Museum of Art
5. Arun Drummond Lines of Unity Print from the Gibbes Museum Store
Support local Charleston Folk artist, Arun Drummond and historic, 5th generation basket weaver, Carlene Habersham by buying this colorful print that explores the strong, family lines and lineage of the Gullah culture. What’s more, the Gibbes Museum of Art store offers everything tax free so that all proceeds can go to support their exhibitions and educational programming.
Linocut Nutcracker by Teju Reval. Photo: Courtesy of Minted
6. Linocut Nutcracker by Teju Reval from Minted
True to founder Mariam Naficy’s belief that great art can come from anywhere, Minted has continued to support artists from all over the U.S., and offer opportunities for them to try other mediums. Such is the case with these adorable, embroidered cocktail napkins by artist Teju Reval, who translated her usual charcoal, illustrator and surface patterns to textiles.
Geocromia Porcelain Dinnerware. Photo: Courtesy of MOMA Design Store
7. Geocromia Porcelain Dinnerware from the MoMA Design Store
This colorful, geometric dinnerware, which is exclusive to MoMA, is inspired from the designs of an Italian heritage brand founded in 1876. What a perfect way to create an artful table while also supporting the museum.
Cover: Galerie's guide to gifts that support the arts.
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