the perfect w inter escape
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Open up your creativity. Learning new techniques or mediums help us to open our creativity in new ways. 7
Learn to solve problems differently. Learning something different shows us different ways to do things. 8
A chance to meet and work with a particular artist. Whether you are an artist or you collect art, taking a class from an artist you admire gives you a different perspective on their work and you learn more about their process. 9
Learn about the creative process firsthand. If you aren’t a practicing artist yourself, but you love art, taking a class helps you learn more about what goes into a piece of art. 10
A chance to let go of the cerebral. Art gives us a chance to focus on our intuitive selves, to take a break from analytical thinking. 11
Learn new ways of looking at the world. Every time you learn something new, it gives you a new filter through which to process the world around you. 12
Have fun! Creativity is a worthwhile goal on its own, but another part of the appeal is the final product: a painting, sculpture, serving dish, necklace, table, or wall that reminds you anew of that sense of accomplishment each time you see it, or provides a special gift for a friend. Several local businesses offer opportunities for that therapeutic dose of creativity.
BY FAR MY FAVORITE PLACE to spend a few hours is All Fired Up at
Commonwealth Center. I have absolutely no artistic skill whatsoever, but here I can create works of art in either glass or ceramic that are actually pretty – or at least that’s what my family and friends all said when they got their Christmas gifts. It’s also a great place to take the kids – let them paint to their hearts’ content without the clean-up or without the stains on your rug! And they have Ladies Night Out on Thursdays, so grab your friends and a latte! 2232 Old Brick Rd., West Broad Village, Glen Allen / 804-360-3111 3311 W. Cary St., Carytown, Richmond / 804-355-3412 GetAllFiredUp.com
Ja n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5
PHOTO: BRIDGET HAZEL PHOTOGRAPHY
ALL FIRED UP BY CONSTANCE WHITNEY