This is the first blog in a series on Artist Date ideas.  An artist date is a powerful tool from the book and process “The Artist’s Way,” a creativity recovery process.  I participated in this process as a class 2 years ago and highly recommend it to anyone who is in transition or even contemplating one.  You can do the process alone or facilitated, either with a coach or a group.  There are a couple of local women who lead these classes, Linda Z. Smith and Trisha Harner, and it is a blast to do it with a group.

So anyway, an artist date is time you spend alone doing something that nourishes your soul.  Something just for you - a mini-retreat of sorts.  In the Artist’s Way you do this weekly.   I try but am not always successful in keeping this frequency, so sometimes I take a whole day or afternoon to do something that THRILLS ME.  And now I am going to share my date activities with you!

Today I went to Flint for the afternoon to see the Gee’s Bend Quilt exhibit at Flint Institute of Arts.  I began my lovely afternoon at a new restaurant in downtown Flint, 501 Bar and Grill.  They feature tapas, one of my favorite foods that are tiny plates of delectable food.  I LOVE variety, so  I ordered the tuna tartare and veggie empanadas.  While waiting for my lunch I perused the drink menu and noticed (and was tempted by) the extensive exotic martini list.  I must say, the food was excellent.  A generous portion of tuna tartare, served with wasabi and ginger was $12.  The veggie empanadas had a hint of curry in their little puff pastry, and melted in my mouth.  Service was very friendly too.  I can’t wait to go back!

Then it was on to the exhibit at FIA, just down the street. I saw the original in San Francisco while living there and it moved me to tears.  This exhibit was the sequel, but featured the original, Emmy-winning video, which I highly recommend seeing prior to the quilts for context.  So much more than art, these quilts represent the triumph of human creativity and spirit, as they are made from leftover and discarded materials.  The women of Gee’s Bend, once the most isolated place in America, originally made the quilts out of necessity for warmth, and therefore they are simple yet so striking.  Like graphic art, I was not surprised to see that in fact some of the women have made prints out of their quilt designs.  And the museum itself is breathtaking and is a space I love to be in. 

My artist date was a success, as it nourished, inspired, energized, and delighted me to my very soul. I invite you to go on an artist date to revitalize yourself, and if you are interested in the Gee’s Bend exhibit, you need to go soon, as it ends on April 18^th.

Please feel free to share your artist date ideas and activities too!