Gifting art to show appreciation

Winning alumnus award recipient and Dean with the art piece commissioned by me.
Photo : Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto,

A couple days ago, I wrote a post regarding the value of art, and what art can do for people based on Alain De Botton's presentation. One use of art that was not covered is the fact that art can serve as a way to show appreciation for someone special, as was the case for a few alumni students, like the one shown in the photo with the Dean of the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto.  

I was recently commissioned by the Faculty to create an art piece depicting their current and previous buildings. The idea was to give prints of the artwork as an award to Alumni winners, as a way to congratulate them and show them appreciation. What a thoughtful gesture! 

It was a great opportunity for me to create something a little different and to be part of this nice gesture that I think goes beyond simply receiving an award. It's my hope that this art piece will not only serve as a reminder of the school's appreciation for the Alumni, but also as a reminder of their time spent in school. Hopefully it will bring good memories of their time with fellow students and teachers, and it's something that they can look at and bring a smile to their face and warm their heart for years to come.   For those who received the artwork as a token of appreciation, this art is now also attached to the memory of receiving this acknowledgement from the Faculty who obviously care about and appreciate their alumni.

Art can serve as a physical manifestation of several emotions and also as a trigger to bring back those emotions. If you're looking for a way to make someone feel good for years to come even when you're not around, consider having art commission for them. It could be a student, a teacher, a retired employee or boss, a special client, a friend or a family member. Commissioned artwork can serve as a memento that will bring fond memories of good times and bring a smile to their face whenever they look at it. It's a great way to show how much you care.

What kind of art should you commissioned?  It could be a special place to evoke good memories of time spent there, or a place you've imagine in your conversations. It could be a portrait of that person depicted as a superhero that fits their personality. It could be surrealist scene depicting an inside joke. it could be an abstract filled with quotes or saying related to the person receiving the gift in his or her favourite colours. Sky is the limit when it comes to commissions.