After recently enjoying a novel about the international art arena, I wanted to know more. “ArtCurious: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History” by Jennifer Dosal hooked me and as you can see, I borrowed part of the title for this article.  Before reading this, my view of the larger art world was filtered by million-dollar auctions, exclusive galleries and wealthy patrons. It felt distant, mysterious and a little daunting. I began to ask colleagues about their feelings about art, art museums and the art world. People said they felt “like it is beyond me to comprehend,” “museums are intimidating” and they’re “meant for wealthy art connoisseurs.”

If this sounds familiar, “ArtCurious” changed that perception for me and maybe it can for you, too. Dasal dives in to the dazzling creativity, boldness and centuries of cultural significance, while also emphasizing the grit and passion it takes to create art.  By taking us into the strange, unexpected and often humorous corners of art history, the author shows that art is for anyone who is interested.

“Seven Days in the Art World” by Sarah Thornton takes you behind the scenes of contemporary art including an auction at Christie’s, the Venice Biennale and an art school critique. Through interviews and onsite reporting, Thornton reveals the people, power plays and strange traditions that make the art world so unique. Smart, entertaining and full of details, it’s a great read whether you are a “newbie” or already immersed in the modern art world.

Feeling like you need or want a broader foundation of art? “A New Way of Seeing: The History of Art in 57 Works” is full of beautiful pictures with amazing facts about each of selected pieces of art. Beginning with a carved mammoth tusk and ranging to a sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, author Kelly Grovier offers a concise and chronological history that goes beyond the facts. Using rich and visual language, her ideas pose a different way of looking at the history of art.

Museums are full of beauty, but can also be disorienting with huge rooms full of countless pieces and types of art. If you have ever walked into a gallery and felt unsure about where to begin or how to make your visit personally meaningful, this next book is for you.  “The Joy of Art: How to Look At, Appreciate, and Talk About Art” by Carolyn Schlam provides guidance on how to observe. Use this as a thoughtful, accessible entry into the world of art.

“Get the Picture” is a perceptive and humorous roadmap through the world of contemporary art. While I still can’t grasp why a banana duct-taped to a wall was worth six million dollars, there is much to learn from Bianca Bosker’s wit, insight and talent for translating the bizarre into the brilliantly readable. She travels through studios, galleries and the strange rituals of the art world to offer a fun and entertaining crash course in the provocative, puzzling and delightfully weird side of modern art.

Still not feeling like you are ready for the museum experience? Our library offers countless books that bring the museum experience to you. Books on museums, artists and all types of art can make you feel like you are walking the rooms for yourself. You could start with “The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art” by Kristie C. Wolferman. It’s a compelling narrative of this Kansas City museum’s creation in 1933 highlighting people, events and ambitions. With 100 photographs, this book captures both the artwork and architectural character of the museum.

If you’d love to go to Paris, but can’t make the trip right now, try “Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love With the World’s Greatest Museum” which was the focus of a recent library book discussion. Elaine Sciolino takes us on a lively, personal journey through the Louvre highlighting the art and into the hidden corners, the behind-the scene stories and the people who keep the museum alive.

Even if we don’t have a book on a particular museum, we have many that explore art from many parts of the world. I’ve developed a fascination with Ancient Egyptian art and have poured over our collection of books filled with images, histories, and detailed descriptions.

To discover more books in our collection, try this list. And don’t forget about Columbia’s museums and art galleries — the University of Missouri Museum of Art and Archeology, State Historical Society and the Boone County Culture Center are all local resources with stories and collections worth discovering.