When I moved to Asheville I wanted an art community to become a part of. But once I got here, I was blown away by how disconnected that community was. In fact, there seemed to be a more cohesive art community in Birmingham. I became an artist not because I was part of an art community in Asheville, but despite it. An art community is a support system for artist. Not necessarily a formal group. Without a real connection to the local community outside of my job (I designed books for a craft book publisher), in 2002-2007 I had the knitting and spinning blog rings.

Why is community so important for artist?

Any right brain work has the capacity to push emotional buttons. Self doubt, second guessing, uncertainty about the direction of a piece or even a whole business can creep in so easily when you are dabbling in the creative work. An art community can help you navigate these blocks, and doubts, supporting both your work and you business. With my business network we have mastermind groups that help us push past blocks and realize our true values and goals. Artists thrive in that same environment no matter how introverted they can be.

A few months ago we scoped out Gastonia, NC, a little bedroom community just outside of Charlotte, NC. What was once known as the meth capitol of the state has grown into such an up and coming vibrant community of artist. There is such a beautiful community support for new studio live/work space, art events, and small creative businesses with one vision and the same values really working to make that town their own. I found it so exciting and inspiring. Who woulda thought Gastonia? But indeed Gastonia was doing it big time. And I get it—when you have to overcome old stigmas like being the meth capitol of NC, then I suppose any pretension you might have about your art community is stripped away. You can be real and do the work. There is a bigger drive to come together for a community vision. I found the same true for art in Birmingham, Alabama. Who woulda thunk Alabama would be a place for art at all? It was… and it was awesome and open and supportive. In fact my fiber arts hero is from Alabama. But historically artsy Asheville? not so much….maybe in small pockets throughout the studio districts, but as a whole there was a competitive vibe and holding ideas close.

As we are getting ready to leave Asheville, I realize that I will be able to make my own community where ever I am. So here are some tips that for finding you art community

You may already be a part of an art community. Have a stitch and bitch? What about Ravelry? FB groups?

Make your own community and it does not matter where you live. With the internet today, it is so easy to find groups and masterminds that are so in tune with your goals and values. Probably more so than if you were just relying on what was available locally. Try out a few online communities. Start with any your friends might belong to.

Don’t think it needs to be very formal. Just gather some peeps to talk art over coffee, plan to go to a local event to support another artist, invite a couple of friends over to critique your latest piece.

Don’t wait until you are good enough to seek your art community. Sometimes it can be that art community that will inspire your work to the next level. Sometimes that art community can help you realize you are an artist.

Meet up! Start a formal group with meet up. Or even a Facebook event. Or an add in the entertainment section of the paper. Craigslist.

Don’t discount any community already in place in your town. You may find you resonate with them more than you know. Don’t be afraid to be open about exactly where you are in your art journey. You are good enough. Many things about an art community often has more to do with how you can contribute in ways that have nothing to do with your art work.

You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. So, find your creative peeps and take your work to the next level.