The art of giving art

They are alternately known as the wise men, and those particular gifts would be very wise indeed.

Instead of one more sweater, yet another cellphone or an expensive bottle of spirits, how about being wise by giving at least one of those three levels of art?

We are blessed (good word this time of year) with excellent art museums within easy reach. Sure, they have some days free for the public, but they all have annual memberships at various levels that you can actually wrap for your family and friends and feel very good about it. You’ll be encouraging your folks to leave the screens and see creativity live at its finest.

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the de Young and Legion of Honor, are a package deal with excellent varied exhibitions all year.

So are the Asian Art Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. All four are in the city.

Southward, consider the Triton Museum and the San Jose Museum of Art.

Annual memberships often include guest passes, special events and discounts at museum stores; some are reciprocal nationally.

OK, most of us cannot afford a Monet — at least not an original, yet we can afford something to feast our eyes on long after the holiday feasts are over.

Local artists will love if you purchase their work. We have several art collectives around San Mateo County, folks who welcome you into their galleries and studios, tell you their stories, and provide wonderful affordable pieces for your home or office.

Some even work on commission so that you can customize your gift.

These groups will have member shows this season to display their wares: Coastal Arts League (Half Moon Bay), Society of West Coast Artists (San Bruno), Mirada Arts (Half Moon Bay), Art Bias (San Carlos), Portola Arts at Allied Arts Guild (Menlo Park), Art Guild of Pacifica at Sanchez Art Center (Pacifica), Madrone Arts (Pescadero), Pacific Arts League (Palo Alto) and Ocean Blue Vault (Half Moon Bay). If you know of more, add them to the comments.

Last but not least, the wise woman, my spouse Nancy gave me for my birthday the greatest gift (after counting a marriage and fabulous family).

I was always drawing and had years of photography experience by the time I turned 30, but had avoided painting, because everyone else in my family was adept at it. She knew I wouldn’t do it for myself.

So she gave me an acrylic paint set, left me alone with it and told me to finally paint something. I did, and four decades later I’m still painting, more now than ever. Her gift was the door to my own creativity.

You can do that for someone you care about. There are classes and workshops all around: community centers, schools and colleges, even some at the galleries and museums. Look them up and consider the power of this kind of gift.

If nothing else, go visit our local art supply stores (Read my former column, “Create of Die?”). They’ve got something creative for everyone on your list. Give your kids home for the holidays something to light up their brains and occupy hands without buttons or touchscreens.

Bah humbug on more junk we don’t need. We need more human creativity.

Be the wise gifter in this tale and give something of lasting value. There’s always room for more art in the manger.

Bart Charlow, consultant and author, has been sketching all his life and painting for over 45 years, had a professional photography business, and leads plein air painting groups. Come along as he shares his insights about the local art scene, and bring your sketchbook. His art and story is at: bartsart.weebly.com.