Art as a Bridge: Strengthening Community Through Creation
I have decided to write this because I have been a witness to a lot of loneliness and isolation in people as of lately, and I myself even feel this way at times. It makes me feel lost as a therapist because oftentimes there is not much to be done especially when I see individuals making large efforts to engage. I have been thinking a lot about what causes these feelings of loneliness and isolation and the big ones I am seeing right now include technology, overconsumption, working hours, and just the state of the world making us feel alone. In this blog post I will be talking a bit more about some of the causes of loneliness, benefits of art making in community settings, and places and settings to seek community in a more accessible way!
Causes of Isolation
Technology has a lot of important uses but in today's time it is also pushed on us and can cause addictive behaviors. It is a great way to connect us with the broader world but can leave us feeling disconnected and empty in our everyday lives, especially with the ways in which people compare their own lives with the lives of others. People become absorbed and start picking up their phones at events, at parks, etc. when there is another human being right in front of them. This is one of capitalism's ways to alienate us from each other, and the natural world so we will consume more products as a form of fulfillment, but in the end, this makes us more unhappy. Personal happiness doesn’t come from products but comes from social relations and leisure. With the state of the world, technology, and over consumption, we are moving farther and farther away from collectivism and community and shifting into individualism and isolation. These items I have listed that I believe are a main cause of isolation brings exhaustion and makes social relations and leisure time feel almost inaccessible, expensive, or timely, however I have made it my purpose as of late to find spaces where we can function as a collective, engage in community, find fulfillment outside of consumerism. As an art therapist I, of course, focused on finding creative spaces because of the many benefits creativity has for the mind and body but will also be mentioning some other spaces as well.
Benefits of Community Art Making
There are so many benefits to making art with community and in community spaces. Even the act of mirroring other people's creativity and being in creative spaces is useful and serves a purpose. First, I believe it is a safe form of vulnerability. We, as humans, oftentimes have to put up walls and forms of protections because of stress, trauma, and more. While these protector parts are needed and important, it sometimes prevents us from accessing our more emotional and vulnerable parts that contribute to the core self. Art making with others and creativity allows us to start to access vulnerability in a safe way. It puts us in touch with our inner child, our emotions, and allows others to truly see us. Making art with others also fosters connection and understanding. It increases self esteem because you are able to work through things through art, leave with a finished product, find a sense of pride, and even explore your own identity. Making art in community also helps bridge the gap between cultures. It exposes one to new people and ideas which leads to understanding and compassion for human beings.
This is especially important in the current state of the world where culture is become more divided.
Where to Find Community in Chicago
The Darkroom Chicago: The Darkroom Chicago is a community darkroom and creative space dedicated to film photography. They host events, workshops, and open lab hours and aim to create connectivity and community.
Chicago Public Art Group: This is a coalition of professional artists working to produce public artwork with community involvement. They believe everyone deserves to experience art and that every community should have a voice. They host events, artist talks, and community art making, and also accept volunteers.
Pilsen Arts & Community House: This is a nonprofit organization that hosts affordable workshops, free open studio nights, and other events where artists (adult and youth) can come together to foster relationships and build community.
Jenny G’s Art Supply: This is an art store that sells art supplies but also hosts workshops, groups, and open studios hours.
Hyde Park Art Center: Hyde Park Art Center offers educational art classes and camps for adults and youth and also has public programming, exhibitions, and other opportunities for artists.
Dandelion Therapeutic Art Center: Dandelion is a therapeutic art center that offers classes and workshops on occasion. They also have a free little art gallery outside their space where you can take art and leave art.
Evanston Art Center: They offer an extensive array of art classes and workshops, host exhibitions, and are involved in community outreach.
Balanced Awakening: We are offering a free and upcoming open studio where you can come and join us for a night of art making! We hope to host more events like this in the future.
These are just some examples of community art spaces in the city of Chicago that offer art making at an affordable price! They are a part of my growing list and I hope to continue to add more.
