Social media serves as a platform for individuals to portray their everyday lives.

Long before the arrival of social media, artists of the nineteenth century succeeded in portraying everyday life in their paintings. This movement in art is called Impressionism.

The Houston Museum of Fine Arts (HMFA) is showcasing works from that movement as part of The Age of Impressionism exhibit. The exhibition features over seventy works of art including works from some of the era’s most famous artist such as Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Camille Pissarro.

I visited the exhibition and was very impressed with the line-up. I convinced one of my San Jac classmates to attend, as well.

Lori Rodriguez is a part-time student with a full-time job. Work and school take up most of her time, and during her free time, she enjoys relaxing at home. Her boyfriend is an artist, so she does not have much exposure to art other than what she sees at home. She enjoyed the exhibit even though it was quite different from the art she is accustomed to.

“I’m not an artsy kind of girl,” Rodriguez said, “but I have to admit that I really enjoyed the exhibit. My boyfriend is an aspiring artist, and I love his work. This was very different art than what I am used to seeing at home. It was very educational, and I felt relaxed just sitting there analyzing the painting that was in front of me. I think I am going to make a trip to the museum a habit.”

I appreciated her reaction because most young adults are consumed by television and social media. Each medium can be educational, but sometimes it is good to stray away from both and stimulate our minds through the fine arts.

Students have a special admission price of $15.50 on weekends and $12.50 on weekdays. A valid school I.D. must be presented in order to receive the discounted price.

The exhibit will be on display through March 23, so if you have some free time, try and make your way to the HMFA.

Your visit will be an educational experience that offers great material for dinner conversations. If nothing else, it will leave your dining companions with a great impression.