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HUG: A NEW Platform for Artists & Collectors to Connect

Aug 14, 2023

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, HUG emerges as a trailblazer, redefining the way artists and collectors connect, collaborate, and celebrate art. Imagine a platform that combines the best features of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, infused with gamification tools and a genuine commitment to inclusivity. That’s HUG, where art and technology embrace in a warm and welcoming environment.

Founded by the visionary Randi Zuckerberg and empowered by a team of experts like Debbie Soon and Alex Cavoulacos, HUG is more than a social media platform—it’s a thriving community of creative minds, passionately engaging in the Web3 ecosystem.

Why HUG? A Hub for Creativity and Growth

  • Social Curation: Connect with like-minded artists, explore new avenues of creativity, and showcase your work to a wider audience. HUG’s social curation is all about making meaningful connections and sharing your art with those who truly appreciate it.
  • Community and Education: Whether you’re an established artist or just starting your journey, HUG offers a plethora of educational resources, community support, and expert guidance to help you grow.
  • Inclusiverse: A term coined by HUG itself, Inclusiverse stands for the platform’s dedication to building a diverse and inclusive Web3 ecosystem. Here, every voice matters, and every artist gets a chance to shine.
  • Gamification Tools: Engage with art like never before! HUG’s gamification tools add a fun and interactive layer to your experience, allowing you to explore and enjoy art in new and exciting ways.

Making the Most of HUG: Tips for New Users

  1. Complete Your Profile: A well-crafted profile can make you stand out. Share your story, showcase your work, and let people know what inspires you.
  2. Engage Actively: Like, comment, share, and collaborate. Engaging with others helps you build a strong network and keeps you in the loop with the latest trends and opportunities.
  3. Explore and Learn: Utilize HUG’s educational resources to enhance your skills and knowledge. The platform offers various courses, information, and reviews to help you thrive in your artistic journey.
  4. Embrace the Gamification: Participate in games, challenges, and interactive features that not only add fun to your experience but also open doors to new opportunities and connections.
  5. Stay Informed and Involved: Join HUG’s Twitter and Discord channels to stay updated and be part of the broader conversation.

HUG is not just another social media platform; it’s a tool in your artistic marketing toolbox. It’s a place where your art finds a home, your voice finds an audience, and your creativity finds endless possibilities. So why wait? Join HUG today and embrace a world where art lives and breathes.

Find them on Twitter or join their Discord to be part of the conversation. And remember, in the world of HUG, there are always plenty of hugs to go around! 🎨💼🤗

Referral Link

If you’re an artist or collector looking to join the inclusive world of HUG and connect with a community of like-minded creators, consider signing up using my referral link. You’ll get access to tools, programs, and opportunities tailored for creatives, and I’ll earn points to help me continue my creative journey.

Let’s explore and grow together in this exciting creative hub.

Join HUG

Journey to Rita: Art, Ancestry, and Adventures in Colorado’s Mountains

Aug 5, 2023

The universe often communicates through subtle signs and grand gestures alike.

A recent grand gesture came in the form of whispers about a new sculpture being crafted in Colorado’s mountains. Curiosity piqued, I learned that this sculpture, named Rita the Rock Planter, was the work of the talented Danish artist, Thomas Dambo. Nestled in Victor, Colorado, Rita stands as an artful beacon and has quickly become a hiking destination, joining the ranks of the popular Breckenridge troll, also created by Dambo.

As a fellow artist and a descendent of Scandanivan heritage, I felt an innate connection to this creation. Trolls, after all, are woven deeply into the tapestry of Norwegian folklore. With this ancestral link, my encounter with Rita took on a profound significance.

Hearing that Dambo would address the community, I seized the opportunity to attend. There, Dambo shared an enlightening tidbit. He said, “Trolls know stones have no legs, so it’s rude to remove one stone from a family of stones. Rita likes to reconnect them and plant them with their family.” This insight enriched my understanding of Rita’s purpose. Additionally, Rita’s creation is a chapter in Dambo’s broader “Way of the Bird King” project. In this ambitious endeavor, he journeys from Vermont to Washington, constructing ten trolls and thousands of birdhouses in between. At this point, he has manifested an impressive 119 sculptures and birdhouses with just six more to complete the series.

Motivated by these revelations and a delightful breakfast sandwich from Wendy’s (a personal favorite over McDonald’s), I embarked on a 0.4-mile hike to meet Rita in person. Even with my knee challenges and my partner Tim’s battle with cancer, we marched on. The morning of August 5, 2023, symbolized more than just a hike; it was a testament to living fully and embracing each moment.

Rita’s wooden grandeur compelled me to capture her essence through my lens. One particular snapshot inspired ‘Rita in Bloom’, a vibrant digital painting that’s now available through JolieArtPrints.

This entire odyssey affirmed my belief art is a narrative. It’s a conduit that channels memories, experiences, and an artist’s journey into relatable tales. Rita, with her sustainable wooden framework, isn’t just an art piece. She’s a story, a lesson, and an inspiration.

And as seasons transform, I aim to chronicle Rita’s evolution, solidifying our bond and celebrating life’s rich tapestry. Each visit underscores my commitment to personal growth and appreciation for art’s role in community-building.

As I journey forward, I anticipate the tales my art will narrate and the many more trails Tim and I will tread upon in our beloved Colorado.

[Visit Gold Camp District Impact Group]

[Purchase a ‘Rita in Bloom’ Print]

Why is Art so Vital in Our Daily Lives?

Jun 26, 2023

Art, in its many forms, has been a part of human culture for centuries. From the earliest cave paintings to modern-day digital art, it continues to be a means of expression and communication. In this article, we delve into why art holds such significance in our daily lives.

Emotional Outlet and Healing
Art serves as an emotional outlet, allowing individuals to express feelings and emotions that might be difficult to put into words (1). Whether it is through painting, music, or writing, art can be therapeutic. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is an integrative mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals through active art-making (2)

Encouraging Creativity and Imagination
Art stimulates the imagination and encourages creativity. This is especially vital in children’s development but remains important throughout life. A report from the NEA states that children who engage in the arts are more likely to be creative, and this creativity carries over into their academic and professional lives (3)

Cultural Identity and Heritage
Art is an integral part of cultural identity. Through art, societies can express their values, traditions, and history. UNESCO recognizes the importance of cultural heritage and how it links our past and our future (4). Artifacts, paintings, and traditional music are examples of how art preserves the cultural identity of communities.

Social Change and Awareness
Art has historically been a medium for social change. It can raise awareness of social issues and even influence public opinion. For example, during the Harlem Renaissance, African American artists used art to express cultural pride and address issues of racism and segregation (5)

Economic Contributions
Art contributes significantly to the economy. The creative industries, including visual arts, music, and film, provide employment and stimulate economic growth. According to a report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year

Aesthetic Enrichment
On a more personal level, art enriches our surroundings and our daily experiences. From the architecture of the buildings we live into the design of our favorite mug, art makes our environment aesthetically pleasing and stimulating.

Conclusion
Art is not just a luxury but an essential component of human life. It heals, inspires, educates, and entertains. By valuing and integrating art into our daily lives, we can foster emotional well-being, stimulate innovation, preserve our heritage, and build a more culturally rich and diverse society.

References

Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature. American Journal of public health, 100(2), 254-263.

American Art Therapy Association. (2017). About Art Therapy. Retrieved from https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/

National Endowment for the Arts. (2012). The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies. Retrieved from https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/Arts-At-Risk-Youth.pdf

UNESCO. (2017). Culture: Heritage. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/themes/culture-and-heritage

Watson, S. (2001). Harlem Renaissance: Pivotal Period in the Development of Afro-American Culture. Retrieved from https://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1978/2/78.02.03.x.html