Collaborating Creatives in Southern Arizona

When I was in college and studying art, I met some great people. In college I was able to meet other artists, make connections, and started to get networking opportunities. This was invaluable to me and gave me a support system I haven’t forgotten even several years later. In my classes I was able to bounce ideas off my classmates, get critiques, commiserate over being an art student, attend events, and I even joined an informal art club. My friends and I periodically met up and drew together, went to museums and galleries, and talked about art. It was something I had wanted and needed for a long time and not only gave me opportunities for socializing, but also collaborating. I look back fondly on the times I was in my classes and spending time with my artist friends and professors.

Then, I graduated. Many of my friends moved to different areas and we lost touch. We tried to have periodic meet-ups, but eventually they fizzled out. I still wanted that support system, but didn’t know where to look. Looking online, I saw many art events, but they required tickets or were far from my house. And, to be honest, as a disabled artist who doesn’t make a lot of money off my art, spending money hasn’t been a viable option for me. To make matters worse, many of these events centered around specific types of art, specific subjects, or required memberships. There are artist coalitions here in Southern Arizona, but they have membership fees attached. Many of these events centered around just photography, just music, just gallery shows, etc. 

I believe many artistic avenues can offer much wisdom and different perspectives. I have not seen many opportunities for creatives of different types to get together and collaborate. And, let’s be honest, being an artist is oftentimes lonely. Many artists, creatives, and small business owners remark that their own friends and family aren’t very supportive or interested in what they do. That is why it’s priceless to have like-minded people there in your corner. 

One day, I was thinking about my desire to connect with others through my art. It had really started becoming a desire after I painted a portrait of someone, and showcased who he really is on the inside. He seemed to be very touched and happy when I delivered the painting to him. I wanted to do that for others, telling their story and showcasing the person deep inside. I also wanted to use my art to connect more with the community. Memories of my times in college with my classmates and artist friends came back up, and I wanted to do the same. I wanted simplicity, like meeting in the park and drawing, or going to museums, or sitting around and talking.

So, I decided to make a Facebook group for those living in Southern Arizona to connect. It’s for artists and creatives and art lovers living in Southern Arizona. The group is for painters, crafters, podcasters, writers, anything creative, really. And it’s also open to those who appreciate the arts but don’t necessarily engage in them. 

It’s my hope that this group can be used to make friends, create business opportunities, facilitate sales, and allow for people to collaborate with one another. I hope it can be a way for people to meet up without paywalls, fussy events, or the like unless they want to. Maybe people can also use it as a way to set up events to showcase their or others’ artwork/creative endeavors.

The group page can be found here. It is private and questions need to be answered in order to join. This is to cut down on spam and to keep the group on topic.