Open Art Circle is a free drop-in arts program at Art Not Shame (a space designed to be easy, flexible, and welcoming). With accessible workstations, a range of art supplies, and both quiet and social areas, the space is set up so people can create in whatever way feels right that day. There’s no pressure to commit, no expectation to produce anything specific, just room to explore at your own pace. Read on to hear more about the program from Art Not Shame.
What was the inspiration behind this initiative?
We have been running multi-week programs for years now. Part of the thinking behind having a public-facing arts hub was that we could run several programs with different entry points and start running a weekly drop-in along with our one-time workshops and multi-week programs. We wanted to offer a low-commitment drop-in so folks can work on various crafts and projects on their own time in an inspiring space alongside like-minded folks.
What makes Open Art Circle different from other creative programming in the community?
We don’t know of another space that is designed with accessibility at the forefront – we have height-adjustable sinks and desks, several different spaces depending on if you’re feeling more inward or sociable, as well as a private sensory room. Our art-making space is equipped with many art supplies: print-making tools, a wide range of beautiful papers from our neighbours Wyndham Art Supplies, watercolours, acrylics, pastels, and so much more, along with adaptable artist tools. That creates a foundation of participants coming in and hopefully feeling as though some of their needs have been anticipated, and allows them to come in no matter what their days have been like and create where and how they want to. Also, it’s FREE!
What kind of environment can people expect when they walk in the door? Is it mostly collaborative or independent working or both?
Great question! This program is self-guided however there is a staff person there along with two lovely Student Art Therapists to answer questions, offer prompts or guidance and more support if that’s wanted. Anyone who comes in for the first time will be given a quick tour of the space and the lowdown on where materials are, where to make a tea, and who to ask if they have any questions arise.
Open Art Circle started last year and has been running regularly since, what feedback have you received from the community about it and how has the initiative evolved from that?
We’ve really grown a steady group of folks who rely on this space as a weekly soft landing spot to connect and create. We had received feedback that community members wanted us to extend the hours of Open Art Circle, so we did! It’s now on from 3-7pm to offer a wider range of time for folks to come drop-in. Time flies when you’re at Open Art Circle.
What sorts of projects have people brought in to work on?
We’ve had a pretty wide range of projects – one of our regulars brings her jewlery projects, another one often works on home projects like painting a wooden stool to bring some life to it. Others don’t bring anything and work with the materials we have there, making a lino print or doing some zentangle or watercolour.
What would you say to someone who is unsure about participating?
We would absolutely love to meet you. We hope you’ll find it comforting that pretty much all current participants felt that way before coming and checking it out. The people who attend open art circle and the support staff we have offer a very warm and welcoming vibe and understand that it can feel daunting to walk into a space you’ve never been in. We want to meet you where you’re at, so if you don’t really want to chat and just want to explore the space on your own time, that’s more than okay OR if you have lots of questions, that’s also welcome. We’d encourage you to give it a shot, stay as long as you like (you could always try coming for a little bit at first) and see how it feels to get creative in our art-making playground.
Open Art Circle is about offering a low-stress place to create. You can bring a project, start something new, or simply spend time experimenting with materials. Stay for a little while or the full session, there’s no right way to take part. If you’ve been thinking about checking it out drop in and see how it feels. Open Art Circle takes place Thursdays from 3pm-7pm at Art Not Shame (119 Wyndham St N, Guelph, ON N1H 4E9).
