Brainstorming for Creativity

Today I was brainstorming for ideas on starting a new Creative Group in the area where I live.  I think it's important to keep Handmade alive in our community.  I know there are a lot of groups out there right now but I don't know what they are all about.  Meaning, I don't know what their goals are for promoting Art and promoting Crafts.  I would like to start a group that promotes both and puts Columbus on the map for Handmade.  Make it an epicenter where people want to come to find something new and different.

I love being around people that are creative!  It makes me think more about my craft and it makes me want to do more in the community.  And, I don't know about you but have you ever talked to someone that had no wish whatsoever to do anything creative?  They have no spark and the conversation usually ends pretty quickly.  

I also believe in supporting your community but there are so many ways to do it.  One thing I would definitely like to do is educate the community.  Make them aware of all the Artists that live in this city.  How important it is to support them by not only purchasing from them but going out and supporting them when there are shows, gallery showings, etc...  I think it is important to make people aware of how important it is to shop locally.  Let's put it this way, look at the US right now.  Most of the big businesses are sending jobs overseas or to Mexico to exploit the cheap labor.  If these jobs were in the US right now we would have money flowing in our economy.  The same goes for shopping everywhere but in the area where you live.  Don't get me wrong, you don't have to buy everything locally but you should buy locally when you can.

Last but not least (at least for now) I think it is important to teach kids to be creative.  Family traditions of making things should be passed on.  I'm a third generation knitter and a fourth generation quilter.  Well, I'm trying to be a quilter anyway.... Hobbies keep children out of trouble.  It also promotes quality time with friends and family.  Creative kids that are allowed to express themselves don't take guns to school. 

Okay, I'm off my soapbox!