Forging Bonds: The Power of Artist Communities
As artists, as humans, we have a need for community.
If you are wishing for more community in your life, why not make 2024 the year where you build, or rebuild it?
Discover how good it can feel to grow your community of creatives!
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
I was Craving community
here is where I am finding it
In the fast moving and ever changing world we are in, the need for community has never been greater.
Like so many, Covid left me longing for places where I could connect with other creatives in person and online, anywhere. Here are some of the places that I am finding just that community.
Enter the artist's community—a space where like-minded souls come together, share ideas, and uplift each other. It's a vibe, a collective energy that changes … well everything!
Local Art Events: In your own backyard
Don't overlook the community waiting for you right in your own area. Check out local art events, workshops, and meetups. Attend gallery openings, artist talks, or even street art festivals. You'll be surprised at the vibrant communities waiting to welcome you into the fold.
Huntsville Art Society
I live in an area with a dynamic art community. The Huntsville Art Society is a group of major talents and as a member, there are year round opportunities to show new art, learn new art skills, view new art and join other artists in various types of event collaborations, think canoe painting, paddle painting… murals!
Collaborative Projects: Unleash the Collective Genius!
You can expand your creative journey with shared ideas, diverse perspectives, and the buzz of new inspirations. The result? Art that's not just a creation, but a celebration of community.
Art Collectives ••• I bet there is one your area
I have just joined The Annex Art Collective (@annexartshopfood) here in Muskoka, which is exactly the type of local community I was hoping to find. It is a place where you can be creative, share and learn. This is a group of local creative business owners (a.k.a. artists!) dedicated to expanding the art world through their creations, classes and events. I am a proud member… so much stunning talent under our roof.
There are so many amazing artist collaborations happening in the online realm too. Big ones like Wanderlust, Lifebook, Women Unleashed, Art is Magic have been around for a while. They each offer active, year round, online art communities. Recently I am noticing SO MANY MORE ONLINE COLLABORATIONS! Paint your Heart and Soul, Art and Soul Mixed Media Retreat, Lets Face It 2024, Kaleidoscope, Sacred Makers Retreat, Mixed Media Art Summit, to name a few! Endless choices for online creative communities are out there, find one that feels like the right fit for you.
I recommend checking out this FREE inspiring, holistic offering
that is big on CARE & COMMUNITY & doesn't exclude anyone. Care December is 15 days of mindful, intuitive mixed-media art journaling. In 2022 this daily self-care meets daily creating is what got me through the holidays.
I have become part of a few Online Art Collaborations recently.
I am sharing The Wings Workshop in the 2023/24 Art Bundles for Good. It has felt good to be a part of something like this, that is offering so much to all those who sign up AND is making a difference in the lives of those involved with the charity, Courageous Kitchen as well.
I am so excited to be one of the 2024 Artists that are a part of the growing, Flower Magic Fest. Francisca Nunes, who is the organizer of this event, is such a beautiful person and artist. She was a high school science teacher who is now a full time artist who uses her science brain to create flower magic!
This month Deck of Dreams 365 will relaunch for another year. This is a chance to connect with like-minded creative souls in a year long creative community. Last year I joined Deck of Dreams as July’s guest artist and will return again this year. A Whole Year of Art with Kellee Wynne and top notch monthly guest artists!
As many of you know, I joined this life changing community of creatives who are making their art, their business.
We lean on each other and grow are creative businesses together. The support, caring, sharing and endless ideas is a rare and truly unique community in which every one of us recognizes and values what we have. I made myself vulnerable, took a risk and am now reaping the benefits!
Art Classes and Workshops: Learn and Connect
Expand your skills and connect with kindred spirits by joining art classes or workshops. Whether it's a local art club, a life drawing session, or an online art workshop, these spaces provide a fertile ground for learning, sharing, and forming lasting connections with fellow creatives.
Online live classes, co-creates, meet ups…
The community that was built during my Personal Portraits Workshop first run was really special. These connections will last well beyond the length of the workshop. Live Zoom classes are now part of our new normal and an option to really consider if you haven’t already. I live in a fairly remote area, in a village with a population of 800 and thanks to Zoom, I have a diverse community of artists that I connect with, often daily, from all over the world!
For a little more community,
I am going to dive into a Live Zoom class as a student!
Crimson Emerald Rosso (who is my current artist crush!) will be teaching a 4 week Zoom workshop in January! I love being in the student role, I know that life long learning is the path of every artist. There is always so much more to learn…
Social Media can be your Gateway
Harness the power of social media as a gateway to community.
Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook groups are treasure troves of artistic camaraderie. Try participating in challenges, and sharing your work. You might just stumble upon a community that becomes your creative haven.
Consider joining Creative Delight Studio Facebook Group. This community is for anyone who is or has been involved in my art workshops. The 100 Day Project will be starting up early in the new year and is a great creative challenge that comes with its own special community. This is a free, global art project that takes place online. Every year, thousands of people all around the world commit to 100 days of creating. Anyone can participate (yes, that means you!).
Seek and You Shall Find
Sometimes, the key to finding your community is simply to put yourself out there. Make yourself a little vulnerable. Attend art fairs, visit local galleries, and be open to striking up conversations with other artists. Your community might be waiting just around the corner…
The world looks really different than it did a few years ago. Creative community is not just a luxury—it's a necessity.
So my fellow creatives, I say venture forth, dive in, connect, and embrace the creative community that is waiting just for you. Your tribe is out there—go find them, like I am finding mine, and make some magic together! 🎨🤝✨