Yep, you heard me right. Despite the economy and the generally tumultuous state of the world right now, it’s a really good time to be an art lover. Our capacity to appreciate art has never been better. Aside from great websites where artists can share their work with an ever-expanding core of collectors and art fans (ahem), opportunities to see art in person just seem to be proliferating rapidly.

Take this story in USA Today on art in airports. What could be better when you’re in mid-baggage schlep than feasting your eyes on a little aesthetic treat? The offerings run the gambit of styles and mediums – what a good way to introduce art into people’s lives.

Installation by Ken Ragsdale | Image: USA Today

In Albany, a series of installations by seven artists entitled “Keeping Time” focuses on our complicated relationship with nostalgia.

Arcs created by Melanie Walker & George Peters | Image: USA Today

At Jacksonville International Airport, artists Melanie Walker & George Peters created a site-specific installation. The arcs invoke the flight paths not only of airplanes, but also of the many birds in the area.

William LaChance "Slipstream" | Image: USA Today

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport’s Public Art and Culture Program commissioned nine artists to create glass screens to be displayed in the terminals.

Sara McCormick "Infinite Creature" | Image: USA Today

Portland, Oregon’s airport art melds math and art with a fractal exhibit.

There’s more to see in the gallery on the USA Today site. I’d finish this post up with one of my usual “Get out there and check out some art” rallying cries, but I’m not sure that’ll work in this case. Maybe I’ll just say, “Get out there, and check out some art when you come across it” – because you will, and it’s awesome.