New Years Resolution: More Art in Your Life
It's resolution time, and this year, I have a suggestion: why not pledge to have more art in your life? There are so many ways to enjoy the arts, there's an opportunity for everyone. Personally, I recommend being a participant. No matter what your walk of life, or how much you have learned or mastered, there's always something new out there. In fact, learning a new art form may help you in other areas of your life as well -- give you the focus you may be wanting at work or a creative approach to problem solving. Also, don't limit yourself to what "art" means to you -- whether it's the classics of dance, painting, film, writing, music or stage, or something like cooking, bookbinding, or merely appreciation.
Here's a few class suggestions I found this year to get your creative juices flowing.
Tango Lessons: - Every Sunday, Tango lessons are offered at completely reasonable cost to all at Hemingway's Cafe on Frankilin. Talk about a romantic start to the New Year! I recently heard of a couple who became so involved in their lessons that they are now taking a two-week vacation to Argentina, and even staying in a Tango Hotel!
Squeaky Wheel's Workshops: Get a new video camera for the holidays, and not quite sure how to start? Squeaky Wheel has been offering low-cost workshops to the pulic for __ years now, as well as a lab available to members and the general public. Here's a list of the Winter/Spring sessions, many starting in January.
CEPA Gallery Workshops: If still photography is more your thing, get involved with CEPA. They have a series of as well as a darkroom and digital studio available to members and the public.
Buffalo Art Studio offers workshops for youth and adults in drawing, painting, photography and more. BAS is located at the Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street, Suite 500, Buffalo, 14214
716.833.4450.
Locust Street Neighborhood Art Classes has been offering free art classes since 1959, and is one of the few programs that allows you to walk off the street and begin making art almost immediately. These are free classes in drawing, painting, photography, and ceramics for ages four to senior adult.
Locaust Street Art Classes, 138 Locust Street, Buffalo, 716.852.4562
The Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County offers a frighteningly comprehensive list of other programs, so be sure to check them out. Even Hyatt's offers workshops, along with materials for sale, at their Buffalo location.
While Studio Arena's registration is closed for winter, get in on their spring workshops early, and check The Arts Council for more opportunities here.
Ujima Theater offers their Dunbar Project for African-American Youth to help them get involved in theater.
Time to write the great American novel? Just Buffalo is Buffalo's premiere writing non-profit, offering scads of classes and performance opportunities annually.
The Buffalo Philharmonic offers "Symphony 101-104" classes to the public, to increase anyone's appreciation of classical music. Interested in playing instead? There's no greater resource than The Community Music School, offering music instruction to people ranging in age from 4 to 86.
Not feeling like a "do-er"? The arts would exist without audiences. You may also want to take our suggestions of giving art for the holidays -- and gift yourself instead. There's one present you know won't be "re-gifted".
As you can see, there's hundreds of options in the Buffalo area. Probably your favorite institution has classes as well. So why not make art your new resolution? There's a whole new world just waiting for you.
go to allen street hardware and buy good art
:)
Thanks for the great article Gab! Some terrific suggestions about expanding your horizons and trying something new in the new year :)
Patrick Sean Daley Art Instruction Studios 16 Webster St. N. Tonawanda, NY 14120. Lessons in Drawing & Painting for adults & children. 2 hrs. wk. / 4 wks. $44. Visit our blog to see video clips of classes & student paintings, or call 694-0246 for more info.