What I am searching for in the Art World....

Honestly, I really do not know. It is a search! This search has encompassed all aspects of my own art practice. What is arts purpose? What does art mean? What is the role of the artist in society? And what does the quintessential art world look like?

Right know the only thing I do know is that the typical art museums and commercial art galleries are not feeding me, like they used to. "They" seem stale and thematic.

What is the art world exactly.
Wikipedia says...

The art world is the "world" composed of all the people involved in the production, commission, preservation, promotion, criticism, and sale of art. Howard S. Becker describes it as "the network of people whose cooperative activity, organized via their joint knowledge of conventional means of doing things, produce(s) the kind of art works that art world is noted for" (Becker, 1982)

I personally have been on many sides of the fence. The 20Th century master art seller. an artist, an "art therapist" for emotionally disturbed children, and now an art advocate. At times I question does it all make a good marriage? Commerce, Soul Expression , Healing, and Communal Transformation.

On First Thursday in SF
Lauren and I (Art is Moving) have a monthly art practice of journeying out to see new art in San Francisco. In January I was so unenthusiastic about going on the traditional art walk, which starts at 49 Geary, that I did a quick search on Craigslist and found the art event. An alternative art space at the Otis Lounge on Maiden Lane in San Francisco. They featured poorly lit art, live painting,and a happy hour. What could be better than that. The night was fruitful we met the live painter Nataliya Tyaglo. Also, we met the art promoter of this event and many more in alternative spaces Owen Geronimo
I really loved and I am thankful how open both Nataliya and Owen were to engage with us.
What was my impression of the whole event. I love the concept of alternative art space and of live painting and "happy hour." My only question is what did the mainstream audience get from it? spectacle? background art? again much to think about.

What does the quintessential art world look like for you?