Almost a year ago I started an art group! I had been feeling adrift from colleagues and peers in my reclusive art-making state. I had also been thinking about it for over a year when my own life stories got to the point that I needed a reprieve. And so I figured out how to start an art group by just doing it.
My top criteria were that the artists create in varied media and also had something to teach me as well as my sharing what I have learned. I had been in other groups before where I was the most accomplished and there was nothing for me to learn. Life is just too short to spend with people who don’t lift me up.
I perused the local art center’s website and selected from the membership directory. I chose 8 mid-career artists who I knew personally or knew of their work. Six accepted my invitation with a seventh joining us at our second meeting.
We have met monthly for nearly a year. We remain untitled, having come up with some funny names and acronyms along the way but nothing that has stuck. We design in varied media: painter, photographer, sculptor, fiber, textile, metal and paper artists. We all have exhibited, have websites, sell our work, dabble in social media, etc. Some have art degrees while others have no formal art training. Most of all we all learn from each other, inspire, critique and laugh. Nearly every month someone thanks me again for starting this group which has far outweighed my own expectations! This group of wonderful strong women is truly a gift I gave myself.
Two have exhibits worth mention…
Karen Preuss, photographer, has an on-going solo show of her botanical photography at Frogsong in Cotati, CA. The reception is this Sunday, August 25 from 3-6 pm, 8280 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, CA
Jonna Ramey, sculptor and brand new Arts Guild of Sonoma juried member has work in the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art California Sculpture Slam, August 23-September 29 with an opening reception on Saturday, August 24 from 5-7 pm.
Some of my favorite work by Jonna are these incredible hand held (he)arts! Each one is so unique in stone choice, shape, color, composition, lines, fractures, fossilized components etc. True love.
Clearly the artists in our arts group are all gifted. I hope to one day own a piece of art or more from each one!
Leave a Reply