Ever wonder how many working artists there are in the United States? Answer: Almost two million (as of 2005). That number includes all types of artists—painters, designers, writers, dancers, etc. If you’re only talking about people like fine artists, art directors and animators, the number slips to about 217,000—still a hefty representation.

Ever wonder how much money the average artist earns in a year? Or what percentage of artists are male or female or members of a minority? Or what the average level of education is for artists? Ever wonder what city boasts the highest number of artists? (Hint: If you’re talking about fine artists, art directors and animators, the answer isn’t New York—nor Los Angeles.)

You can find answers to all these questions and more in the newly released report, Artists in the Workforce: 1990-2005, created by the National Endowment for the Arts. Download afree PDF of this surprisingly readable and easy-to-navigate 148-page report (or the eight-page summary) and get the facts—on artists.

Think you know your artists and their paintings? Artists Network forum member Terry (user name tstone) came up with this link to a great interactive Web game that tests your ability to match artists with their paintings.

The game takes a minute or two to load, so be patient. Once you’re in, the game moves as quickly (or slowly) as you want. What’s more, it’s addictive. One of about 150 paintings appears on your monitor, and you choose which of the 75 or so listed artists created the work. If you get the correct artist, you get to choose the correct painting title. Then on to the next painting.

This beats solitaire any day. Try it and let me know what you think.