World AIDS Day

Throughout high school, I took drama classes and every December 1st, our teacher would make us sit around, doing nothing -- particularly not anything that could be termed as "art." While few of our productions ever reached a level where I'd call them "art," this tradition means that I've always remembered that December 1st was World AIDS Day.

Day Without Art began in 1989 as a means of remembering those artists who had died of AIDS. Museums, galleries, and theaters shut down for the day and everyone was encouraged to spread AIDS awareness. Some people celebrate a Day With(out) Art, which promotes art appreciation and awareness.

Whether you ponder the possibility of a future without art or you try to take in as much art as possible, I suggest you take the day to educate yourself.

Check out (RED), which was created by Bono to sell brand-name products whose procedes go to AIDS awareness.

Visit the World AIDS Day website and find out about events near you.

If you want more info about art and AIDS, here's an interesting article from Carnegie Online.