5 Things Art Lovers Should Do When in Isreal
Updated: Aug 11, 2022
When we hear of Israel, the first thing that comes to mind is often ‘religion’ as Israel is significant for being the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Some take Israel as a tourist destination to see some monumental things listed in the bible, but Israel's visual arts community is thriving. Visitors who appreciate art are bound to be blown away by Israel's creativity, from the nation's countless museums to Ein Hod, one of the world's only artist communities, to the country's daringly inventive street graffiti.
Check out the Historic Mosaic
Israel is home to a magnificent collection of ancient art, with thousands of years of history hidden behind every stone. The majority of the stunning mosaic flooring uncovered at archaeological sites is from old churches and synagogues. This is one intriguing thing an art lover needs to see in Israel.
Visit the sixth-century synagogue at the Beit Alfa National Park to observe an elaborate mosaic featuring bright stone fragments depicting biblical and mythological tales. At the Tzipori National Park west of Nazareth, a stunning mosaic made of hundreds of tiny stones in a variety of natural colors known as the "Mona Lisa of the Galilee" entertains tourists from her floor area. There are many magnificent mosaics in the park.
Don't miss the church mosaic in Kibbutz Beit Kama or the Byzantine "Bird Mosaic" in Caesarea. Amazing Christian-themed floor and wall mosaics may also be found at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Visit the museum at the Good Samaritan Inn archeological site, the only mosaic museum in Israel and one of the few in the world, if you'd prefer to see several amazing mosaics in one location.
Visit The Ein Hod Artists’ Village
On the western slopes of Mount Carmel, a small group of artists calls Ein Hod their home. It is the sole cooperative artists' village in Israel. Ein Hod was founded in 1953 by Dada artist Marcel Janco with assistance from a group of forward-thinking artists to provide a stimulating environment for the practice and study of art. The most popular days to visit these locales' galleries, studios, stores, and museums are weekends. Among the many residents are the well-known worldwide sculptor Dina Merhav, the sculptor-painter Benjamin Levy, and the photographer Ron Kedmi.
Travel to the Arts and Crafts Fair Centre
Numerous locals and tourists travel to the Nahalat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair every Tuesday and Friday. This street fair, a Tel Aviv-Jaffa effort that dates back to 1987, has more than 200 artists and crafters who sell ceramics, jewelry, toys, wood art, blown glass, wearable art, and recycled products. A committee selection procedure is used to guarantee quality.
Visit the Bezalel Arts and Crafts Street Fair, which is held only on Fridays in Jerusalem. The market, which opened in 2009, is located close to the former location of Israel's national art school, the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, between Bezalel Street and Shmuel HaNagid Street. Both events serve as pre-crowdfunding platforms for locals looking to grow their businesses and foster a sense of community.
Unleash your creativity at the Paintings and Tour in Negav, Beer Sheva Museum
Art lovers who take a visit to Israel now have the opportunity to unleash their potential creative thanks to a new generation of art tours. Touring and art workshops are combined at the Beer Sheva Art Experience and Paint Israel Art School. When you can paint the Negev, why take a point-and-shoot picture? Both artists and non-artists can participate in the tours.
Attend the annual Fresh Paint and Design Festival
This is one of the leading annual festivals in Israel. Leading Israeli artists and designers are included in this show, which strives to promote their unique and creative work while gaining visibility, recognition, and income. Every year, a different location is chosen for the event.
