Top 5 reasons to find or build an Art cOMmunity

A lovely afternoon spent art journaling with several woman. Via the yoga community I've come to find new loves, art journaling being one of them (Kale is another), and as such have met a few women who enjoy meeting to mingle across tea and stacks of magazines about once a month. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new art journaling tricks, hear about what books are on each other's favorite read list, and discuss other blogs, workshops, restaurants, traveling ideas....really anything that pops up. I've only had the opportunity to join this group twice now, and look forward to future art sessions. (a super special thanks to Valerie of city life eats blog for coordinating this event...and to Lisa for sharing her magazines with us!)

Happy Days ~ Jotted down some lovely ideas of things to do during the Happy Days of Summer...like: Dine Alfresco, Play tag, Play a board game, Have a picnic, Wear a straw Hat....etc.  

Just in case you are wondering why art journaling in a group is worth while, here are just a few of my favorite reasons....

1) An excuse to tear up magazines like a child
2) You get to play with scissors, glue, tape, crayons and markers...it unleashes the inner child (hence creativity flourishes!!)
3) An opportunity to meet new individuals with the same passion, but likely completely different than you, offering diverse intellectual conversations (in a safe space)
4) Creating a place to keep your thoughts, dreams, wish lists, strategic visions visually
5) It's fun!!

Thanks to @RemRunner for introducing the idea of coloring
with crayons around the images...they sure do make a picture POP with color.

A few peeks into today's art journaling. Some days it's just picture gathering, other days it's actually journaling....today I spent organizing all of the feedback I received from my final advanced teacher training 30 minute heartfelt teaching into a beautiful memento within my journal for easy access to reflect upon when I so choose.

If you've been thinking about picking up a new hobby of art journaling and are wondering how to dive in, Tranquil Space is hosting a workshop this July 28th from 1 to 4pm. I wish I could go...but I will also be at Tranquil Space that day presenting my advanced teacher training thesis on Private Yoga!

Or...you and a group of friends can begin an art cOMmunity meet-up, have tea, share magazines and start the process one page at a time.