How does a night with friends new and old, chocolate and wine, inspiration and laughter, a night full of art sound to you? Then come on over!
That's exactly what we've been serving up at my house on Friday nights. A completely casual, non-threatening, fun and encouraging environment with ladies (Guys are always welcome--but no kids!) of all skill and experience levels together, oohhing and aahhing over each others work, playing with paint and canvas.
I supply the paint, canvas, chocolate and wine and everyone else brings only an open mind and a heart willing to experience all of the joy--not to get too gushy, but there is real joy--healing and whatever else they need from the creative process. We have experienced artists and novices who've haven't touched a canvas in years or ever all working together and loving it. Like I said, this is a completely non-competitive and non-threatening environment. And the goal for the night is not to create an amazing work of art (although you will see it's happening!) but to discover the joy in the creative process. Seriously, I've never been so excited about anything in my life.
Since my little studio can't hold more than a couple of people at a time and we've been looking forward to some big groups, I've turned our living room into a working studio with color and inspiration everywhere you look.
So what do my realtor, a waitress at our favorite brew pub, neighbors and friends have in common? They are all having a blast at art night! And--even though it's not the point--just take a look at the amazing art coming out of it.
This is proof that when creative human beings--whether they believe they are creative or not--find themselves in a encouraging, enthusiastic, artistic environment where they can feel free to create, explore and experiment, beautiful things can happen and art is born.
(We were undecided if we liked Tina's painting better right side up or upside down with flowers dangling.)
For fun we even started putting a blank canvas on an easel at one end of the room as a collaborative effort. Whenever anyone feels stuck with their own painting, needs a break, or has extra paint on their pallet, they can go over to the easel and add their unique touch to our progressive work. It is everyone's favorite painting by the end of the night!
I'm already starting to recognize each person's unique contribution to our collaborative paintings. And I'm so excited to see how our art develops and everyone grows, in relationship to each other and as individuals as we continue our journey together. Originally, I imagined we would get together once a month, but everyone has begged to keep having it so we're getting together every week as long as people are willing. If you happen to be local or close to Pueblo and want to join us, shoot me an email (sidebar, top right). And if you think this is a fabulous idea that you want to see in your own neighborhood, I can't shout it loud enough: do it!! It may change someone's life. I'll keep you posted on how things develop and give you more tips for setting up your own art night!
Sounds like heaven. Something tells me that art night would not go over well in my own house, as my husband has OCD. But it's a lovely idea all the same.
Pueblo, eh? Yeah, doesn't sound like that's anywhere near Virginia. ;)
Posted by: melydia | January 31, 2011 at 07:46 PM
I love this... we do something similar, but rotate houses and only do it once a month. We have not tried collaborative art yet... maybe we should!! I love it!!
Posted by: kelley | January 31, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Wow - I wish I lived in your neighborhood! What a cool night! I especially love the "take a break" canvas... You're so inspiring!
xo
Posted by: Shannon Ganshorn | January 31, 2011 at 09:23 PM
P.S. Any chance that the painting with the single large heart off to the side is for sale? It makes me feel warm :)
Posted by: Shannon Ganshorn | January 31, 2011 at 09:24 PM
what a brilliant idea!
Posted by: Sarah | February 01, 2011 at 03:23 AM
there's some beautiful art being created there!!
Posted by: kass | February 01, 2011 at 03:37 AM
WANT.
Posted by: Corvus | February 01, 2011 at 03:49 AM
Wow. This sounds great. Wish I was near Pueblo but I am in a rural spot in Arizona. I think the creativity shown here is fantastic and although I am not there, I am going to try painting like this on a canvas! Keep sharing and we'll feel a bit like we are there - now where's that brush and oh yeah, gotta get some chocolate!
Posted by: Timaree (freebird) | February 01, 2011 at 09:32 AM
Ok, if I start now, I might be there by friday night, lol. Awww, that looks like so much fun. They do something like that here & they charge $45 a night. Someone tried to get me to host one, but I don't have anywhere to do one. Everyone's paintings are amazing, wish I was there!
Posted by: Misty Kirkland | February 01, 2011 at 01:53 PM
Oh, wow! I really really wish I lived nearby! This is aboslutely just amazing stuff and the "tribe" that you're building even more so. I love them all, but the one with poppies really grabs my heart!
Posted by: Paula Bogdan | February 01, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Wow this is amazing. Can you share your process in setting up the night and how you decided who do invite? I would love to host something like this.
Posted by: Marci Glenn | February 03, 2011 at 11:16 AM
I am an art teacher in a primary school and one of the staff members has asked me to do something like this as a part of our after school social activities, I think I might now. I like the idea of the collaborative work too.
Also I love your lamp shade, it is beautiful. Did you paint it yourself?
Posted by: dette | February 05, 2011 at 07:08 PM
What fun!!!! This looks like a total blast...and the work that came out is amazing!
Posted by: The Dreaming Bear | February 18, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Oh wow!!! These paintings are so, so beautiful!! I love them!! Such great inspiration. Wish I could b there.
Posted by: Sherry843 | April 14, 2011 at 06:24 AM