Artist Date Idea About Galleries
When Was the Last Time You Visited an Art Gallery?
By definition, an artist date is one where a person ventures out on his or her own to reconnect with the creative self. These dates are typically meant for individual enjoyment, rather than with a companion or a group. This artist date idea is going to break that rule a bit.
This artist date requires preplanning utilizing the following resources:
- Your local phone book
- A Sunday paper, or today’s paper
- The Internet
Using the resources you have, research art galleries within driving (or, perhaps walking) distance from your home. Make note of special showings announced on the Internet (keyword searches for art galleries in your area will produce sites containing these announcements), as well as in the local paper. It is also important to note the art gallery’s hours, and if they are only open by appointment.
Once you have noted when and where you would like to attend these art galleries, mark it on your calendar. Following this, pack a tote bag or backpack with:
- Your art journal
- Your text-only journal
- Pens and pencils
- Snacks and water
- A pocket folder
On your artists date, collect as much ephemera as you can. These can be gallery brochures, announcements for future shows, post cards, and so on. Be sure the collections are flat so they can be easily incorporated into future works of mixed media art. House these materials in the pocket folder, or within the pages of your journal. Sketch out (and) or write about what you see. Make notes about future mixed media art you are inspired to create.
If you happen upon another artist while on this date, consider opening a discussion about the work in the gallery or about your own work. This is a great opportunity to connect with another artist on a creative level, gather inspiration, and gather opinions. This is where the typical artist date rule is broken because, ordinarily, others are not involved. It is important to make these connections, though, so future interactions will take place in the future (creative partnering).
Following the artist date, compile all of your collections, drawings, and thoughts into your workspace. Create art journal pages, collages, altered book pages, or a mixed media paining depicting your experiences on this date. Explore everything from what you liked most about the date, to what you liked least about the date. Worry less about perfection, and focus more about getting the experience translated into the pieces.
You may notice that, while on this artist date, you will find inspiration for future artist dates. Write all of these thoughts and plans down in your text-only journal or in your art journal. Make note of why this date is important to you, what you would like to do on the date, and set a tentative plan for when the date is going to happen. This will solidify the plan and turn it into action.
If you have taken yourself on this artist date, or one that is similar, please use the comments section below to explain your experiences.
