Beyond the Studio: Finding and Growing Artistic Communities

Create Art Podcast

Making Fun A Habit Series

30 days to add fun to your creative practice. I will be going through Mike Brennan's Make Fun A Habit workbook and help you make fun a habit. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike on my other podcast Find A Podcast About and talking about his podcast Creative Chats. This workbook leads you through steps to rekindle the fun in your life and get you into a space where you are your most creative. This is a 30-day book and I will tackle each day as if it were a week and provide insights on how to use his ideas in your creative practice. Each chapter is broken up with a short story, questions to ponder, action items, and tips.

The Importance of Community

Having a supportive community is crucial for artistic growth. It provides a space for support, collaboration, and learning. When I first started podcasting in 2006, I was flying solo, but in 2016, I found a community through a local meetup. This opened doors to global conversations and conferences, significantly enhancing my creativity and reach.

Assignment

Questions to Ponder

1. Where have you found community in the past, and what did you like or dislike about it?
2. As an early poet in Abilene, Texas, I found a welcoming community at a local coffee shop. It was supportive but sometimes felt elitist, which made it less welcoming to newcomers. Reflecting on these experiences helps in shaping better communities today.
3. What special memories do you have attached to that community?
4. My time at Espresso Europa was marked by memorable events like poetry readings, in-house art displays, and even drag shows. These shared experiences created lasting bonds and special memories, reminding me of the importance of such spaces.
5. How can you create new memories with new communities?
6. Today, I seek new experiences by attending podcast conferences and events. Simply stepping out of your comfort zone and attending such gatherings can lead to lifelong friendships and collaborations.

Action Items for Building Community

1. Join an Art Club or Take a Class Art classes, whether in painting or drawing, can significantly enhance your skills and confidence. Engaging in structured classes, like painting with a guide, offers a less intimidating way to grow as an artist.
2. Join a Sports Team or Volunteer Participating in local sports or volunteering for a charity can build connections within your community. These activities not only expose you to potential audience members but also foster a sense of belonging.
3. Engage in Political or Religious Activities Whether it's volunteering for a political campaign or attending religious or spiritual gatherings, these activities connect you with like-minded individuals and strengthen community ties.
4. Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter or Soup Kitchen Year-round volunteering can be immensely rewarding. It provides a venue for potential collaborations while giving back to the community, enriching your artistic journey.

Tips for Finding Communities

1. Reflect on Your Interests and Values Identify what's important to you and seek communities that align with those values, whether it’s volunteering at a library or participating in local activism.
2. Talk to Friends and Family You might be surprised by the opportunities within your existing network. Friends or family members may already be part of impactful communities or be willing to help start one.
3. Use Online Resources Platforms like Meetup, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can help you find local and global communities related to your interests.
4. Attend Local Events Local events, fairs, festivals, and concerts are great places to meet people and join existing communities. Virtual events can also provide similar opportunities when in-person attendance isn't possible.
5. Be Open to New Experiences Sometimes the most rewarding communities come from unexpected places. Be open to new experiences, and you might find lifelong friends and mentors in the most unlikely locations.

Final Thoughts If there isn't a community in your area that meets your needs, consider starting one. Initially, it may be challenging, but flexibility and openness to contributions can foster a thriving community. Remember, creativity often blossoms through collaboration and support from others.

Reach Out To The Podcast

To reach out to me, email [e-mail] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.

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• Twitter: @createartpod

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Special Message

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