What is April the 15th?

Today is April the 15th, World Art Day! It's also the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, which isn't a coincidence. 

World Art Day was created a few years ago, the first one taking place in 2012. The proposal for it was put forth in Guadalajara and supported by people around the world from Turkey, Mexico, France, China, Cyprus, Sweden, Japan, Slovakia, Mauritius, and Norway. In a world that can feel so divided, realizing that today's celebration day is the result of so many people around the globe coming together feels quite touching. 

Da Vinci's birthday was selected to honour him as a symbol of world peace, freedom of expression, tolerance, brotherhood and multiculturalism as well as art's importance to other fields.

At Figg Street Co., I'm fortunate to interact with so many talented and aspiring artists. It's a joy to be immersed in the field of creative energy and discuss both tools and supplies as well as gifts and items that have been inspired by others. Sometimes, when a couple of us talk, another may join in and incredible ideas get cross-pollinated. It fills my heart when the shop becomes infused with the springtime vibe of new beginnings and I'm witness to all that benefit from it.

Have you ever experienced this? I think it's one of the benefits of independent shops and neighbourhoods like ours on Front Street. There's a pleasant, gentle buzz of activity as the weather warms and daylight time lengthens. These small, daily interactions with others in the community feed us on many levels, as well as give birth to an array of seemingly small ideas that blossom into creations of all kinds.

We hope this issue has inspired you to create a piece of art, celebrate an artist you admire and visit or participate in an art exhibition in our community. You never know, you may discover an unexpected delight, meet some interesting new people and find inspirational treasure!