My artistic communities

When I decided to apply for a grant at the start of this year, one of the things I wrote in my notebook as I was contemplating it and the whole process was: “What magic can I make writing this grant?” It was a question to remind me that I need to be open to not just what the grant money can do for me but also what the process of writing might bring about.

One of the essays I had to write was on my artistic communities. It’s no secret if you’ve been reading here that I’m big on community. Once it was written, my editor read it and her response rocked me. She said that no one could doubt my investment in other’s creative lives.

What? I mean that’s what I’ve been trying to do for years but still…what? So in a time when none of us EVER think we are doing enough, may you write down your accomplishments and see them for what they are worth. That’s magic.

My essay

Over the past 15 years I’ve participated in many artistic communities. I’ve taught classes online and been a community manager for an online art community. I’ve been a blogger and shared my art online since the inception of my “Make Something Every Day” project. Also I’ve been involved with the Alabama Women’s Caucus for Art, which is our state chapter of the national organization Women’s Caucus for Art. I’ve shared my time and expertise with middle and high school art students through my kids’ schools here in Madison County, via art teacher friends at various North Alabama schools, and over multiple years of Vacation Bible School as the crafts room head organizer and facilitator.

The blog

In 2016 I started my current webpage: misty.granades.com. I blog weekly about art-making and process. I’ve got an ongoing series where I interview women and nonbinary artists about their art and practice. In another series, “Art AV Club”, I share video footage of artists who have influenced my work and talk about commonalities in our art. In my “How to create your art practice” series, I talk about the nuts and bolts of how my “Make Something Every Day” project got started and has evolved. The website is also a visual repository of my finished work. 

My website allows me to document and re-visit my work across its evolution. It’s blossomed into so much more than that, though. It’s now another outlet for my creativity. I love writing about my art experiences in a venue that allows others to read, learn, and grow. I’ve developed friendships with my online readers, and we sometimes spend time together making art via Zoom.

Caucus

In 2019 I joined Alabama Women’s Caucus for Art (ALWCA) because I wanted to meet local women artists, make artist friends to talk about art, and collaborate with them. I’ve served as the Membership Chair since 2023. I’m thankful for this group and the opportunities it’s provided. In particular, the mentorship of former President Kimberly Hart has made me a better artist, person, and advocate for our community. 

As the ALWCA Membership Chair, I’ve mentored women who were looking for professional development and encouragement. Being the first correspondent many of our members hear from puts me in a unique position to invite new members into the group and help them find their spot. I make myself available to answer questions about applying to shows, where to find information on our national website, and how to get connected through membership meetings and committees. I love the connections I’ve developed through this organization and how it’s fostered a place for me not only to learn but also to share my skills and knowledge. 

Blog interviews

I started the interview series on my blog in 2023, and many of the interviews are with artists I’ve met through ALWCA. Those interviews regularly get featured in the state-wide ALWCA newsletter. I love connecting with fellow artists through the series of 10 questions I ask them as part of the interview. Past interviews are available here.

Working with the youths

I’ve had opportunities over the years to work in school classrooms with young artists via art teacher friends. Also I’ve given guest lessons on how to make one-page zines and what to put in them, how to make and work on an altered book as an art piece, and how to use gelli plates. I’ve also talked to high school students about what’s involved with being a working artist. I find working with teens to be intense but rewarding. Art class is an engaging environment because almost all of the students opt in to art class, so they are hungry to learn. Given how meaningful my own high school art class experiences were, I’m happy to get to be a part of that for others. 

As a Vacation Bible School craft room facilitator I created age-appropriate craft lessons tied to daily Bible themes for elementary school children. I sourced and bought materials on a tight budget and led fellow teachers in helping the children do the crafts. While I don’t feel a calling to teach full time in a classroom, I’ve enjoyed working with young artists over the years. Seeing them master a skill or be amazed at their own work thrills me to the core.

In closing

Ultimately, I want my presence and involvement in any community to be about encouragement. I want artists, especially women and nonbinary artists, to feel seen and heard. I want to create and be a part of spaces that facilitate artistic flourishing. Women are socialized to put the needs of others before their own needs. We are trained from birth to forgo what brings us personal fulfillment to allow for others to reach for their own. I believe that this is a false choice and that, by creating open and collaborative spaces, we can all seek our artistic goals and enrich the world.

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I hope you enjoyed this essay! I’m sharing my writings from my grant application as a way to to be more transparent about pieces of the art world that don’t get a lot of air time. I’m gathering these posts under the “grant writing” tag so you can click and see them all!

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