While I was driving to last week’s Saturday morning creativity circle, I received three texts asking if it was still on. It was drizzling at the time, and, since we meet at a park now, the texters wondered if I was going to cancel. I assured them that I was on my way and that we’d sit under the pavilion if necessary. Relieved, they told me how much they were looking forward to it, and we had another delightful gathering.
Although Purple Crayon has suffered a bit financially from COVID-19, it has also benefited from the pandemic. Perhaps the greatest gift has been moving our Saturday morning creativity circle outside. While we were lucky to get six to eight attendees previously, the circle now draws a dozen or more members each week. Some of the women bring projects to work on, but they mainly come for the connection, a service I’ve been trying to provide since I opened.
I’m not sure what’s so magical about the new set-up. It may be the location, since we’re now meeting in a park instead of a building. “Nature is fuel for the soul,” says psychology researcher Richard Ryan. “Being outside in nature makes people feel more alive.”
Or it may be that we’re able to sit in a circle now, which inherently creates community. “The geometric shape of a [circle acts] as a subtle environmental cue for people, by priming their fundamental need for inclusiveness,” says Juliet Zhu, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia.
Or it may be that I’ve specifically invited members to come for the camaraderie; they don’t have to DO anything except show up. While this was always the case, I think members felt they should be making something if they were sitting in the studio.
Regardless of why the new arrangement is working, I’m just happy it is. Some members have told me that the circle is the most valuable part of their membership right now. For them, the gathering is one of the few times—or the only time—they will connect to another woman, in-person, all week.
I don’t think many of us realized, prior to the pandemic, how much our emotional well-being depends on in-person connection. While visiting with friends and family online is better than nothing, it’s not the same as physically being with another person. Research shows that people draw energy from other people, and that’s more difficult over a wire; we need another body to recharge our own.
Of course, when you’re feeling down, or you just have low energy, your art suffers as well. It’s hard to create a masterpiece—or even doodle—when you don't feel like getting out of bed!
If you’re in need of a little pick-me-up, I encourage you to consider making an in-person, outside, physically-distanced date with a friend or family member. While it still presents a slight risk to your physical well-being—which is further reduced if you both wear masks—the boost to your emotional health is likely worth it!
This month, instead of offering workshops (other than my Beginning Patchwork Quilting course, which runs through August 16th), I'm introducing a new initiative at Purple Crayon: online art clubs. My hope is that they'll provide an economical, creative activity that you can look forward to on a regular basis, and do from home. They'll also offer a safe way to build community with other women artists.
Art clubs will meet on the same day and time each week, at least three times a month. At each gathering, an artist experienced in a particular medium will present a new artistic "challenge" via Zoom, and club members will be encouraged to follow along. Meetings will be recorded in case participants can't make it or just want to watch it again.
The uber-talented Amanda Smith will lead our first art club, which will focus on Zentangle® and start on July 7th at 3:00 PM. Membership will be $30 a month, and you can join or cancel at any time. If you’d like to learn more or subscribe, please visit the PC Art Clubs web page.
If all goes well, I'll consider adding more art clubs in the coming months. If you'd like to see a particular type of art club offered (e.g., watercolor, collaging, quilting), please email me at pam@purplecrayonavl.com with your suggestion(s).
This month, I’m also collaborating with my amazing yoga teacher, Paige Gilchrist, to develop a series of online yoga classes specifically designed to awaken your creativity. Whether you’ve never set foot in a yoga studio, or you've been practicing for years, you’ll be inspired by Paige’s warm and welcoming style as she leads you through soothing sequences and restorative poses that will nurture your intuition and tap into your subconscious.
The Gentle Yoga for Creativity: Beginner-Friendly series will be held on Mondays, from 10:00-11:00 AM, August 10th through the 31st. To allow for personalized attention, the class will be limited to just twelve participants, so I encourage you to reserve your seat early if you’re interested. Paige’s classes tend to sell out quickly.
I'll continue to offer workshops, too, of course, so please check the PC Workshops page frequently for updates!
I look forward to creating with you!
—Pam Robbins, Owner
