Written by During the beginning of COVID-19 when the world was in lockdown, a group of art friends and I met on Zoom once a week. I can honestly say that making art in community saved me during the pandemic. I created raw, messy, chaotic art journal pages that helped me express all of the emotions that I was feeling.
Every week, my friends and I tried to make sense of what was happening. We shared our fears and uncertainties, we’d check in on our mental and physical health, and we’d do art together. During quarantine, the phrase, “how are you doing?” became meaningless, and so we’d began to ask each other, “how is your heart?”
Four years later, most of us have returned to our regular routines and activities, but the Zoom hangouts remain. It’s a way for us to meet friends from across the world, and create together. Sometimes we talk about what’s going on in our day, share art tips, talk about paper, pens and our favorite art supplies, and sometimes, we just sit together quietly and make art.
This is what drew me to the Anarchy Artists Collective. It’s an inclusive art community that has no expectations, no rules, and no fees. As it says on the Welcome Page, “think of it as an anarcho-punk coffee/tea room with big virtual spaces where you can pop in, have a natter, show your stuff, and feel no obligation to conform to anyone or anything.”
This philosophy appeals to my artist’s heart. Art is for everyone. No matter if it’s your very first mark on the page or you’ve been doing art for years, you belong here. Everyone belongs here.
Although I’ve only been to a few Anarchy Artists Collective Zoom hangouts so far, but I know that when I join in, I’ll feel welcomed and included. Currently, there are five hangouts a week, so hopefully you will find one that fits your schedule. Find your people. Hang out with like-minded artists.
Because art is for everyone. And it’s good for your heart.
Written by Lynda Bassett @lynda1655