Why I Love Art

When I left my full-time job to be at home with the girls and Sam, I had many bouts of dismay and panic. I had been used to working at a demanding job that occupied a lot of my time and that gave structure to my days and weeks. Without that job I was adrift. I was going to continue that sentence "adrift in a sea of possibilities" but realized that isn't quite true since initially I didn't see any possibilities for my life outside of my profession. (I think I was mildly depressed!)

Well, life has certainly changed over the past six years. I now have many more friends and am a better friend, I volunteer a lot in the schools, I have learned to cook and make our home more comfortable, I read more, walk more and feel better about my life than I ever have in the past. But in terms of looking into the future, the thing that has made me most excited is art. A few years ago, I started up my pottery classes again after a long hiatus. I found a great studio and class nearby at the New Art Center, which is a true treasure for the city of Newton. At the New Art Center, children and adults of all ages and abilities take art classes of all kinds. While I only have time for pottery now, I can hardly wait to try other classes once the girls are both in elementary school. The possibilities in art seem endless....



As I got closer to the New Art Center and its director, I also volunteered to head up a committee to launch a new series of evening events that combine a simple art workshop with food, wine and socializing. We held three of these events in our inaugural year, and just held the first of five events for the 2010-2011 season. It makes me profoundly happy to be in a room of people who are creating things together. So many of us think we aren't "artistic" or "creative" and shy away from artistic endeavors. But I believe that all of us can be creative in the right setting and with the right encouragement. The creative process is energizing and joyful, and I am extremely fortunate to have the time to be part of the New Art Center.