Drawing Together: Let’s Create Community

Let’s draw together. You’ll be you, I’ll be me, and with fresh ideas, art materials and all the beauty in our view, we’ll create community.

Let’s find a space with a sense of place where we can gather and spend quality time. We’ll start with simple things - a conversation, a story, a walk to welcome the day, a theme to draw upon. We’ll bring what inspires expression - a sketchbook, a camera, a cup of coffee, a friend, an open mind.

Let’s get to know each other. We are like-minded and different, diverse and intergenerational. We’ll build a creative network rich in local resources and people. It will be an abundant source of co-creators, a hub of creatives with common interests and goals. Our community will connect and blend us, from Me to We. In the group dynamic, we’ll recognize mentors who teach new skills and ways of thinking. Imaginations are sparked. Collaboration and friendships are energized. We are all students learning and leaning into the process together. Each voice and effort is valued.

Let’s care about each other. Connectedness to a community or cultural group is a factor in mental health. Belonging matters because what’s good for the individual is good for the whole. For many of us, recent changes and challenges to physical, social, and financial well-being have impacted our interactions with friends and limited how we expand our social spheres. The negative effect on mental health is cumulative. Our stress needs relief and hands-on support. Together we can heal and find solidarity. We need a community to build our immunity, to be happier, healthier people. Joining a safe and healthy social system that is sustainable and enriching over time is a way to wellness.

Let’s create a community. As a citizen artist, I offer this: start a drawing group. These basic steps can be applied to organizing any group activity, in-person or online. Getting together to draw and share ideas allows us to look at things together differently. LET’S DO IT!

Start A Community Drawing Group

• Identify people who like to sketch in your community network.

• Collect contact information and develop links for communication. Plan how to connect and organize details.

• Find a location that is safe and convenient to meet. It can be a local library, arts venue, community center, school, nature park, coffee shop, someone’s home, or online. Locations can change throughout the seasons and as the group evolves.

• Compile a list of materials that participants can bring. Consider the location and offer options for sharing or trading materials and posting information.

• Communicate with the group about themes or projects of interest and how they can set a mood and process for drawing.

• Encourage artists of all skill levels to mentor the group and share knowledge. Drawing together, like any open group dynamic, is a natural way to learn by the example of others and how a medium is used and drawing styles. Drawing is about looking and seeing and learning and making. It is a way to remember and illustrate what we observe, think and feel.

• Facilitate a process for sharing drawings and artistic projects with the group.

Make a Creativity Kit: Basic Drawing Materials

• sketchbook or journal

• various art papers

• pencil, pen

• colored pencils

• drawing supplies/eraser, sharpener

• light watercolor set-up

• water bottle & snack

• lightweight tote bag or knapsack

Learn more about the author and creative wellness at laura jaquays.com .