In this issue...

• When You Need a Little Support
• Instructor Spotlight
• Upcoming Events
• Upcoming Workshops
• Creativity Circles

A couple of weeks ago, a Purple Crayon member called me about the upcoming Writing Circle. She said she wasn’t going to be able to make it that evening and was, in fact, thinking about leaving the group. She just wasn’t “feeling it” anymore, she explained.

I admitted that I, too, had been losing interest in the Circle and was deciding if I wanted to keep attending. Because only one of the three other members was still able to come, I decided to cancel the meeting and think about what I wanted to do moving forward.

I was leaning towards dissolving the group, since it really needed more than three people to work, and then it hit me. The PC member and I weren’t “feeling it” anymore because the play date had turned into a working session.

A few weeks earlier, we had decided to change the format of the group. Instead of having writing prompts drive the agenda, we decided to focus on “real” writing and devote the majority of our time to writing projects. The decision shifted the energy of the group, I realized. Whereas before, the point was to play with words—and each other—we now felt obligated to achieve something.

I also realized that the writing prompts provided scaffolding for when we didn’t “feel it.” They alleviated the need to be inspired and allowed us to make something—to practice creating—even when we didn't feel particularly creative.

If there was a possibility to save the Writing Circle, I hated to eliminate an outlet for creativity, since it would likely impact other creative endeavors. Creativity begets creativity! I shared my ideas with the member who had reached out to me initially and convinced her to give it another shot, using the old structure.

The Circle now emphasizes fun, not fame, again, and our enthusiasm has returned. We'll see how it goes...

If you’ve ever lost the desire to do your art—and who hasn’t?!—I’d encourage you to find a "support system" to jump start your creative juices. If you write, keep a book of writing prompts nearby. If you paint, purchase some coloring books. If you quilt, have a quilt kit or two handy. And don’t be embarrassed to use it. If YOU show up, eventually, inspiration will, too!

And, speaking of support systems, we’ve got lots of great workshops coming up in March and early April!

• Ann Lansing's Tatted Butterfly Earrings on 3/8
• Deana Murchison's Introduction to Fluid Art on 3/15
• Sarah Jane Oiler's Tree of Life Dreamcatcher on 3/24
• Patricia Spangler's Introduction to Eco Printing on 3/29
• Deana Murchison's Introduction to Alcohol Inks on 4/12

As a reminder, this spring, Purple Crayon is partnering with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to offer four, multi-week workshops to give students in OLLI's College for Seniors course Adventures in Art: Purple Crayon Sampler an opportunity to build their skills in mosaics, Chinese brush painting, Zentangle®, and needle felted painting. Information about these workshops, including registration details for non-OLLI members, is available on the Purple Crayon OLLI Workshops page. We will resume our regular workshop schedule this summer.

I look forward to playing with you! 

​—​​​​​​Pam Robbins, Owner

Instructor Spotlight

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Workshops

Creativity Circles & Other Members-Only Events