How do you create and maintain community?

How do you as a creative person, create and maintain community?

I find it so easy to stay in the studio and isolate myself from others. I enjoy being with others, but it doesn't happen if I don't deliberately make it happen. I joined a group of plein air painters several years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for my self and my painting. They went out painting (Plein Air) in and around the local areas. Gardens, historic building, sea side villages, lakes, oceans were among the variey of sites for plein air artists to be inspired. We would meet back at a set location for lunch and a critique. It was wonderful. The more seasoned painters would share all of their knowledge and tips to help the newer painters. Everyone cared about each other and encouraged each other. There are several art clubs in the San Gabriel Valley where I live. A lot of artists belong to more than one of them. The clubs organize shows, classes and demonstrations. They also raise funds for art scholarships. They are made up of wonderful, talented and inspiring people who try to pass on their love of painting to others.

5 Comments to How do you create and maintain community?:

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Victoria on Thursday, August 04, 2011 12:48 AM

Great Post Marsha! It's true - so easy to end up isolated! Great idea - to join up with others of similar interest - good win/win - you learn more and gain community at the same time. :-)

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	Marsha Ubovich on Thursday, August 25, 2011 12:02 AM Thank you so much for your comments Victoria. Plein air is a French term for out in the open. Painting out on location is so amasing. You become part of what's going on. The weather is a big factor and the changing sunlight is a constant challenge. What medium you are using also has it's good and bad features. Watercolor is easy to carry, but the air and sometimes wind constantly dry the paint too fast. This is also true with acrylic paint. Oil paint tends to be the standard favorite for plein air painters. It won't dry while you are out and oil paint is wonderful for picking up the vivid colors of the landscape. Oil paint is also perfect for the suttle shifts in tints that make landscapes so realistic. If you ever want to try plein air painting, give me a call or email and we can go together. You won't regret it.

Victoria on Thursday, August 04, 2011 12:50 AM

P.S. Now you make me curious about "plein air " I'm hoping you will share more about that - since I have no idea what it is

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Carrie on Thursday, August 04, 2011 5:24 AM

Good for you, Marsha! A piano player experiences a similar situation. I love playing with the praise team at church for my community.


	Marsha Ubovich on Thursday, August 25, 2011 12:14 AM Carrie! Thanks for the comment about playing the piano in a church which also creates community. I'm attending a church called Mosaic in Pasadena that has been creating an artistic community among their members. It's called the Artist Tribe. Within this Artist Tribe we get to know eachother and learn about each medium through the individual artist sharing at a bi-monthly meeting after church. The group is made up of all types of visual and performing artists. Musicians, actors, writers, fashion designers, photographers, graphic artists,painters, sculptors,designers, stage and set designers, the list is endless. This Labor Day weekend we are all going to an artist retreat in the mountains. The event is called Terra Nova. Three days in the mountains loaded with all forms of artistic expression. Workshops galore. Artists are also challenged to try some other art form they are less familiar with. If you or anyone else is interested, check out mosaic.org. and look for the Terra Nova event. Very exciting and a great way to make connections with a community.

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