Nurturing Creativity: Highlights from Our Art Create Learn Social Gathering -August 4, 2023

Katrina Rutter, Carole Turner, Gulnaz Turdalieva, Suzanne Konyha, Steph Mason, and Bruce Rutter at Pho Mango Restaurant. Photography by Bruce Rutter and Gulnaz Turdalieva

Are you an artist longing for inspiration and a chance to connect with fellow creatives? In our bustling lives, finding time for such gatherings can be challenging, especially when balancing work and family commitments. However, there's a simple yet effective way to create opportunities - by reaching out to your network and inviting creative friends for a lunch or dinner meet-up.

At Art Create Learn, we took this idea a step further. On August 4th, we hosted our Art Create Learn Social Gathering, where artists from diverse backgrounds came together for a delightful dinner and a chance to explore new dining spots in the city. Our gathering brought together a small but passionate group of creatives, including Gulnaz Turdalieva, Carole Turner, Katrina Rutter, Bruce Rutter, Steph Mason, and Suzanne Konyha.

Our chosen venue was Pho Mango, a charming restaurant on Huron Church that caters to both meat enthusiasts and vegetarians. It provided the perfect ambiance for our discussions, covering topics ranging from art and life to the dynamics of our beloved city.

One of the hot topics of the evening revolved around the common challenges artists face in finding the right studio space. Windsor offers an excellent option for artists seeking to venture beyond their home studios and expand their creative network - Shō Art Studios in Walkerville. This vibrant creative hub provides fantastic art spaces for rent and a supportive community of artists eager to exchange ideas and experiences.

For those with budget constraints, alternative solutions were also explored. An invaluable tip from Steph Mason was to tap into your family and friends' networks. You might discover someone willing to offer you a dedicated workspace within their home, even if it's just for a few hours a couple of days a week. This separation between your work and family life can be a game-changer, particularly for women artists juggling their creative pursuits with family responsibilities. It can significantly enhance your creativity and productivity.

So, if you're an artist in search of a like-minded community and studio space solutions, take a look at art hubs in your city and don't hesitate to tap into your family network. You never know what exciting opportunities it might unveil. Stay open to new ways of finding the support you need to flourish in your artistic journey. Don't be afraid to explore!