​Is something holding you back from expressing your creative talents? Everyone can sometimes feel a bit blocked or hesitant when it comes to expressing their creativity. Here are some tips to help get your creative mojo flowing:

Set Aside Dedicated Time: Schedule regular time for creativity, treating it as an important appointment for yourself.

Change Your Environment: A new setting can inspire new ideas. Try working in a different room, a café, or even outdoors.

Keep a Journal: Write down thoughts, ideas, and experiences. You can even doodle, sketch, or jot down random words.

Limit Your Resources: Sometimes, having too many options can be overwhelming. Restrict yourself to certain tools or materials.

Try New Things: Experiment with different mediums or styles. If you’re a writer, try painting; if you’re a painter, try photography.

Engage with Other Art Forms: Attend a concert, visit an art gallery, or read poetry. Exposure to other creative forms can ignite your own creativity.

Collaborate with Others: Working with someone else can lead to new ideas and perspectives. Find a buddy to brainstorm or create with.

Allow Imperfection: Give yourself permission to create without the pressure of being perfect. Embrace mistakes as part of the process.

Use Prompts: Creative prompts can stimulate your imagination. Use writing prompts, drawing challenges, or even random word generators.

Take Breaks: Sometimes stepping away from your work can help. Go for a walk, meditate, or engage in another activity to clear your mind.

Reflect on Your Motivations: Consider why you want to create. Reconnecting with your passion can reignite your creative spark.

Practice Mindfulness: Being present can help you become more aware of your thoughts and ideas. Consider meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

Limit Screen Time: Too much social media or digital distractions can stifle creativity. Set boundaries to help refocus your mind.

Read or Watch Inspirational Material: Surround yourself with creative energy by consuming books, films, or courses that inspire you.

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements in your creative journey to build confidence.
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Experiment with these tips and see which ones resonate with you. Creativity is a personal journey, so find the methods that best ignite your passion!

My artistic journey has been a winding path that has taken me from my childhood home in Santa Fe, New Mexico to various locations across the country.

My wonderful and creative mother introduced me to sewing at a young age, teaching me how to use an antique treadle Singer sewing machine to make my own doll clothes. Money was stretched thin in our family, but my mother was quite crafty and made me a two story doll house from a card board box, filled with furniture and people. I loved it and it still brings precious memories when I think of it. As I grew older I discovered I enjoyed drawing, painting and creating things from discarded objects.
  
In my early 20’s I hopped on a bus and moved to San Jose, CA where I knew no one, but had decided I would become involved with the Rosicrucians, a metaphysical organization who were based there. I continued to paint and craft and a few years after became involved with the art community there. Getting accepted by my first gallery  gave me a boost and a sense of confidence in my creative abilities that I hadn’t had before. I enrolled at San Jose City College and explored many art mediums.

I discovered a love for abstract art and silk screen printing or serigraphy. In 1985 I returned to my hometown of Santa Fe after 15 years and embarked on another creative path, painting Southwest style images on furniture and pottery lamps for Foreign Traders. Some of those pieces were sold to celebrities. That was a rewarding experience and opened the door for me to create my own line of Santo (religious icons) ornaments, prints and cards that I sold to shops in New Mexico and other areas of the country, including the Smithsonian Institute. 
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In 2000 my husband Jim and I moved to Winchester, TN and I soon discovered the Franklin County Arts Guild and have been involved with them for two decades now. It has been wonderful to find a community of fellow artists who share my passion and have provided support through various activities and events all these years. I have worn many hats with this organization, including a stint as gallery coordinator but my favorite one is helping to promote our Guild and Artisan Depot Gallery’s talented local artists. The most important lesson I have learned in my creative path is how essential it is to network, find and support your art community.

We are a co-operative gallery featuring fine art & craft from regional artists. The Artisan Depot Gallery, a Franklin County Arts Guild project, is a place to discover and display art and a hub for education, enlightening our visitors and inspiring them about the World of Arts.
The Franklin County Arts Guild promotes artists and craftspeople through The Artisan Depot Gallery, scholarships, education, and community programs. Becoming a member gives you the invaluable opportunity to showcase your work in our Gallery. ​​