Giving a gift of art is one of the most creative acts from one person to another. You can give a present to mark a birthday or a holiday. Or you can give to yourself, to celebrate a career goal or a special occasion.
Art collectors often give themselves presents to mark the acquisition of a new creative work. Others have more whimsical reasons (“it’s National Aardvark Day,” or “my morning coffee was perfect”).
In Japan, travelers traditionally bring sweets or other tasty morsels for the person or persons they are visiting.
All major religions have holidays in which gift giving is a central theme. Christians have Christmas, Jews have Chanukkah, Muslims have Eid, and Hindus have Diwali. Check your calendars!
Gifts of art can also a way for individuals, groups and even nations to improve relations with their neighbors. Indian tribes from the Amazon jungles to the shores of northwestern Canada are noted for their over-the-top generosity. In fact, the friendly competition to demonstrate who is the most generous often only ends when the giving of artifacts has succeeded in effectively bankrupting one or another of the tribes involved.
Giving a gift of art does involve some calculation, and there are some rituals which enhance the impact of the gift.
Find out the kind of artwork the recipient would enjoy. This will help ensure that your gift is enthusiastically received.
Remove the price tags! The true value of the gift is in its thoughtfulness, not in its value.
Presentation matters: While you don’t need to wrap you gift in a Faberge box, some care in the wrapping will send a message about how much you care about the recipient. It also adds a dramatic frisson to the giving process.
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