Dear Wonderful, Creative You:

This year, in the spirit of reducing the amount of stuff that might end up in our oceans or landfills, I’m suggesting some less tangible, but highly valuable gifts. Some of them are completely free, and others are an investment. Each of them is a way for you to make the artist in your life feel loved and supported in their creativity. That, to me, is priceless.

Time

Time is one of the best things you can give the artist in your life. It’s also one of the most supportive. So often artists, especially ones who do not make their living from art, feel guilty spending time on their creative practice. Given Western culture’s obsession with “productivity,” it can feel hard to justify doing something at a non-professional level simply for our enjoyment. You can’t underestimate how supportive it is for your partner to say, “You deserve this, and I’m going to help facilitate it for you.”

Make a Creative Time Gift Certificate.

Make a plan, put it in the calendar, and be specific. “The second Saturday of each month in 2022 is Jenny’s Art Day. This is a day to dedicate to your art practice. You might choose to create, organize your space, or go to a museum, and I will do everything I can to protect this time for you.” (Can I get a few of these please?)

You can download a PDF of the art time gift certificate.

Art Retreats and Getaways – in Person

There are several wonderful artists offering in person art retreats where you can connect with your creative spirit and a group of like minded creatives. I’m super pleased to tell you that I’ll be offering a workshop at Snow Farm Craft this year. It’s located in the foothills of the Berkshires, and I can’t wait to share more details next month.

If you are looking for a relaxing adventure, check out The Traveling Bookbinder, who has book binding retreats on the Isle of Iona in Scotland. (Wouldn’t that be a dream?) And of course, you can travel to Mexico with Connie Solera, and Morocco with Flora Bowley. While this kind of experience is the priciest sort, if you can make it happen, the experience of creating in community gives back for years to come.

Art Retreats – Online

I’ve used my experience as an art therapist and mindful artist to make these experiences my specialty. I adore creating community with a group of folks from across the globe who gather, support one another, and create more than they dreamed possible on their own. Gift Certificates available for upcoming retreats in 2022.

Gift Certificates for Art Classes

A gift certificate for a class with a favorite teacher is an excellent gift. You can look at options both in person and online. You’ll find Mindful Art Studio gift cards here.

Art Memberships

I got this idea from the lovely gals at the Art Juice podcast. (You can check it out here.) A membership to a local art museum is a wonderful way to give permission for art indulgence and nurturing. Imagine heading out to your favorite exhibit on a whim for only the price of gas or train. And a membership to a local artist’s association is a great way to help build an artist’s connections to their community.

What are your wishes for art gifts this year? Let’s chat about it in the comments.

Creatively Yours,

Amy