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characterized by a showy, pretentious, and often spurious display of artistic interest, manner, or mannerism.
a male given name, form of .
.
Contemporary Examples

Once she became a “pro”, however, she abandoned her arty ways and stuck to a more documentary style.
India’s Modern Eye Blake Gopnik July 16, 2012

Cosmopolis is too arty and abstract, even by Cronenberg standards, to become a commercial success.
‘Cosmopolis’ Suggests ‘Twilight’ Star Robert Pattinson Can Act Geoff Berkshire August 15, 2012

Historical Examples

He was only a baby; and she had left him to run about with arty and Catty as if he were a big boy.
The Judgment of Eve May Sinclair

They came as young as you, arty, and as weak as you, but no one ever made them do wrong.
St. Winifred’s Frederic W. Farrar

He linked his arm in arty Kane’s and the two walked along the Strand, discussing the permutations of human feeling.
The Intrusions of Peggy Anthony Hope

Nonsense, arty; the summer holidays will bring you round again.
St. Winifred’s Frederic W. Farrar

These foo lines comes from a umble but arty frend to command.
Springhaven R. D. Blackmore

“Tha’rt a knivey nuisance, arty Morel,” she said, sitting back.
Sons and Lovers David Herbert Lawrence

But, while perusing these two books, we have had an ‘umble and an ‘arty laugh in the depths of our ‘umiliation.
The Catholic World. Volume III; Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. E. Rameur

First comes my country, then my family; but first and last—my arty!
Plays by August Strindberg, Fourth Series August Strindberg

adjective artier, artiest
(informal) having an ostentatious or affected interest in or desire to imitate artists or artistic standards
adj.

1901, “having artistic pretentions,” from art (n.) + -y (2); cf. artsy.

adjective

Pretentiously and self-consciously artistic; straining for esthetic effect: an artsy-craftsy little boutique on Nantucket (1940s+)
artillery