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Visual Arts
Art is something I've dabbled with over the years out of joy and curiosity, not as a consistent practice. In high school I didn't take any art classes because I filled my schedule with other things, and I wish I could go back and have that chance now - block out an hour a day to make art with other people. What a dream!
In college I took an intro to painting class for non-art majors, and it was the hardest I ever had to work to earn a B. I struggled to capture what I was seeing in real life and translate that to the page. Often the most difficult thing about starting a new hobby or skill is being okay with being a beginner for a LONG time, and not getting caught up with the need to be great or comparisons to someone who has put in more time in learning the skill. I'm learning to enjoy the process of making art, and not pin my enjoyment to an end product (though that's easier said than done!).
In recent years I've come to love drawing, block printing, and watercolor painting, and have enjoyed taking classes in some of those mediums as well as weaving, glass blowing, poetry writing, edible plants, and more at Shake Rag Alley.
Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
For three years I had the honor of being part of the team at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, a nonprofit with a mission of providing educational experiences in visual, performing, and literary arts for adults and children; cultivating the creativity that thrives in our rural community; and rehabilitating and preserving our historic buildings and rustic campus.
We bring in instructors from across the street and across the country to teach art workshops in fiber, 2d, mixed media, writing, blacksmithing, jewelry making, glass blowing, and more. Here's a recent article that gives a great overview of our offerings.
Throughout the years I have seen art and creativity shared as a way to express oneself, mourn and grieve, be playful and whimsical, connect with others, and inspire change. In a world of over-consumption and worth being tied to productivity, it can be a radical act to create for the sake of joy.
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