Nairika Cornett | Quinlan Visual Arts Center

The Transformative Power of Art: Appreciating Art’s Range of Impact

If art were our mental diet, we’d be very healthy people. – Nairika Cornett

Nairika Cornett, Director of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, joins host Phil Bonelli as our special guest on this segment of North Georgia Business Radio. She is a true advocate for the transformative power of art in education. Nairika emphasizes the role of early exposure to art in developing children’s problem-solving abilities, creativity, and memorization skills.

She and Phil also talk about the detrimental effects of removing the creative portion from education, highlighting the potential impact on teens’ mental well-being. Nairika’s passion for integrating the arts into education offers a compelling perspective on the critical role of art in shaping young minds and fostering well-rounded individuals.

Nairika also discusses how visual arts can create social change and foster community engagement, how art can be a unique and rewarding financial investment strategy, the role the Arts and Education play in India, and how cultural influences shape artistic interpretation.

If you’re an art lover, get excited! Did you know that The Quinlan offers an annual family membership (2 adults / 4 kids) for only $100 a year?

Membership includes invitations to all exhibition receptions, discounts on classes and camps, membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (over 1100 participating institutions), and so much more.

Highlights Of The Show

00:01:58 – The Mission of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Nairika shares the mission of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, which is to bring visual arts to the community through education, exhibition, and community engagement, emphasizing the role of art in community building.

00:03:29 – The Power of Art in Diversity and Emotion
The conversation delves into the power of art to connect communities, evoke emotions, and promote diversity by magnifying similarities rather than differences. Art is seen as a medium for reflecting the times we live in and creating hope for the future.

00:08:16 – Art’s Role in Education and Mental Development
Nairika discusses the importance of integrating art into education, particularly in the formative years, to develop problem-solving abilities, creativity, and overall mental formulation in children. The conversation emphasizes the well-rounded nature of education and the detrimental effects of removing art from the curriculum.

00:14:36 – The Interconnectedness of Art, Creativity, and Human Expression
The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of art, creativity, and human expression in various aspects of life, including design, education, and problem-solving. The conversation emphasizes the value of allowing children to be creative and the impact of art on mental development.

00:17:06 – The Importance of Art in Understanding Science
Nairika emphasizes the role of art in fostering creativity and tying together various aspects of education and life. She highlights the need to appreciate beauty and the connection between art and science.

00:19:20 – Cultural Differences in Art Appreciation
Nairika discusses the emphasis on education and art in India, considering it as a vital expression of being. She contrasts this with the debate in the US about the role of art in education.

00:21:37 – Engaging with the Quinlan
Nairika invites listeners to engage with the Quinlan through various opportunities like after-school classes, art camps, and membership benefits. She also introduces the young professional art committee and the events they organize.

00:27:56 – Importance of Early Engagement in Art
Nairika highlights the significance of engaging in art from a young age, emphasizing that art is a language and the earlier a person starts, the better. She discusses the capacity for learning creativity and the impact on childhood development.

00:31:35 – Membership Benefits and Events
Nairika shares the value of Quinlan membership, including access to 1300+ museums in North America. She also discusses the newly launched young professional art committee and the diverse events hosted by the Quinlan, such as ekphrasis and artist talks.

00:33:26 – The Value of Art in the Quinlan
Nairika discusses the exceptional works of art at the Quinlan, emphasizing the regionally focused nature of the collection. She also highlights the affordability of fine art pieces for sale, promoting them as timeless gifts for occasions like Mother’s Day.

00:34:11 – The Financial Investment of Art
Nairika and Phil delve into the concept of art as a financial investment, comparing it to investing in the stock market. They emphasize the importance of studying artists and purchasing pieces that appreciate in value, rather than solely based on personal taste.

00:36:45 – Favorite Artists and Their Impact
Nairika shares her admiration for Salvador Dali, citing his ability to depict the unseen and evoke imagination. Phil talks about his favorite local artist, Jonathan Kollick, and the historical significance of art in documenting culture and heritage.

00:39:39 – The Importance of Arts and Culture
Phil and Nairika emphasize the critical role of the arts in preserving history, culture, and personal connections. They urge listeners to appreciate and support local arts, highlighting the Quinlan as a place to experience and engage with the transformative power of art.