Community Engagement – Huron River Art Collective Blog

How do we respond as artists to all this craziness swirling around us?

Artists are the ones who make interpretations of the world, although not in the same way as journalists. Some of us will provide calm beauty to help soothe the anxiety. Others will express the stresses, madness, loneliness, loss or divisions we are experiencing, giving some reassurance that we’re not alone. Still others will add to the clarion calls for a better world for ourselves and our children. All are much needed.

Maybe you’ve experienced a kind of artist’s block – with deadline after deadline of interesting and normally inspiring calls for art slipping by without applying, while your workspace gathers dust? You’re not alone in that, either.

Art by Our January Speaker, Barbara Melnik Carson

In the end, community is the most important resource for getting us through all this. Huron River Art Collective isn’t a huge, well resourced institution or a stone clad building with columns. It’s really about us, the artists supporting each other, talking together, learning, being surprised, laughing… This is the project we’re engaged in.

Empowering Women Artists – NEW! The first of our discussion series this Tuesday, Jan 12th. An informal conversation will be based around “What Does Art Have to Do With the Coronavirus?“

ArtShare – Let’s Talk Photography – Speaker: Joseph Lee. Whether you’re an amateur, professional, hobbyist, or enthusiast, all are welcome to join the conversation on all things photography. Wednesday January 13th, 06:00 PM – 7:00 PM. We also look forward to Joe Lee sharing more about his life and photography as our Speaker Series presenter in March! This event is for members only –

Speaker Series: Sculptor Barbara Melnik Carson. Monday, Jan 18th. Don’t miss out – this one is proving very popular!

Our big focus at the start of 2021 is to build out a calendar full of interesting, inspiring, informative and fun opportunities for our members and friends. If this sparks a thought, or if there’s an idea you’ve been mulling over for a while for a talk, a workshop, a critique group, a social event, a Grand Scheme – get in touch. Don’t worry if you’ve been avoiding Zoom, or you’re not sure who might be interested. Don’t worry that you’re too young/old/unskilled/unknown/short or any other reasons you might dream up not to send an email or pick up the phone!

Send us your questions, comments, thoughts about your art making experience in the last several months, your hopes or intentions for the future, etc.

Share art, tips and friendship in our members’ Facebook group (join it if you haven’t yet!) Follow and invite your friends to like our public Facebook page .

Follow on Instagram and tag your art posts @huronriverartcollective
Have this blog emailed to you – sign up on the webpage.

— Sophie Grillet, Communications Chair | sophiegrillet at gmail

Since 2017 Becki Spangler’s ArtBreak Studio program at the Delonis Center homeless shelter has conducted art classes for the residents. During the holidays one of our members, Mary Thiefels along with her team from TreeTown Murals, have helped paint the inside windows at the shelter along with the residents. The residents always look forward to this event, and their creations have been both beautiful and amazing. As that was not possible this year due to COVID, Mary and TreeTown Murals generously offered to go ahead and continue the tradition to add some cheer for some folks who need it most. Indeed, this kindness is in the true spirit of the season – thanks Mary and TreeTown Murals!!

A number of our members have been volunteering, as part of our Community Engagement program, in the ArtBreak Studio program on the planning team, as teachers, and assistants. We look forward to the program starting up again when it is safe to do so. See the ArtBreak Studio website for more information.

And a shout out to the rest of our members who volunteer!