I've Joined An Art Group!

[CraftyCath]

:eek: I can't believe I've done this! It was so impulsive of me! I'm so nervous!:eek:

Near my hairdressers there is a community centre and there was a sign in the window, 'Art group, beginners welcome, £1 plus tea and biscuits.'

I went to get my hair cut but couldn't get it our of my mind. I haven't picked a paint brush up for years and cannot afford the paint, paper, brushes etc.

When I came out of the hairdressers I saw the sign and thought, 'nothing to loose,' and I went in!

There was a small, mixed group of elderly and middle aged men and women and one younger girl. They were all lovely! I was welcomed in and explained to the man running it about my PTSD, about being creative and about needing to do something social.

He told me he understood as his Son has PTSD!

Then he showed me around and told me I didn't need to buy anything and that there was no teacher; people just shared skills and helped each other. I was impressed. The group was non-threatening and eager to share and I felt like I could be at home there.

There is a weekly fee of £1 and you get to use all the books and equipment and a tea and biscuits (where else can you get all that for £1?). After 4 weeks, if I like the group, I pay £5 for life membership! £5! I laughed! So cheap! They all go out together for a Christmas meal too (free) so it is very social and although it scares me I know I need something to get me out of the house and back into the world and this seems like it could be just right.

Funny thing is I usually get my hair cut on a Wednesday and this week my usual hairdresser was off so I could only get a Thursday appointment. That is why I've never seen the group before.

Fated perhaps?

 

[Red Feather]

I'm so happy for you! That's amazing. Creativity and art is just so good for your soul. My social worker was telling me about a place here as well. I am thinking about going. Congratulations for the step you just made...! :inlove:

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Congratulations and I am so very happy for you. I am jeolous in a good way. Good for you. I think this will do you worlds of good. I am glad it all worked out. Have alot of fun getting to know the people and being so creative. I think this is the best news.

Great big cyber hugs. If I could post a picture it would be congratulations with fireworks.

 

[Nicolette]

Woo hoo.... enjoy!

 

[Hashi]

A while ago I joined a creativity group, very nervously, but they made me welcome and it's a really positive
thing in my life. It's good to spend time with like-minded people, even though we're from different backgrounds. The socialising is low-pressure because we all have an activity to focus on. We have to buy our own tea and biscuits though!

It sounds great, good for you for taking the step.

Any type of creativity is so healing. (But especially :inlove: art)

 

[CraftyCath]

Thanks Nadia, Gizmo, Nicolette and Hashi.

The socialising is low-pressure because we all have an activity to focus on.

I had never thought of it that way Hashi and you are so right. Doing something practical does take the pressure off and you can get to know people slowly over a cup of tea and some paint.

 

[shadowchaser]

The only crafting/art group around me is $75/month.

I'm so glad you found this. You should do great at it. You can show them how to make those amazing cards. I'm sure they will flip over it!

 

[CraftyCath]

I think they will be showing me a few things Shadow, they all seem so talented and their work is amazing!

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

Nothing like art and serendipity coming together. I'm so tickled by this. Sounds fantastic. I would love to find a group like that. A colleague and I meet briefly between our classes for a cig. She and I both dabble. We joked that we might start a campus group: book club for smokers. But I'm going to suggest to her an art club for smokers. (We are such rebellious pariahs.;) )

It's great that that man understands PTSD. Great news.

 

[amethist]

Brilliant Cath.

Sometimes things do happen for a reason. You should thank you hairdresser for being off today the next time you see her, she did you an enormous favor. :tup:

 

[CraftyCath]

It is weird how things fall together.

Something has happened with my hairdresser, she is only 21 and, from what I can tell it is some kind of bereavement. :( I will have to contact her on FB and see how she is.

I'm looking forward to the art group but I'm still very nervous.

 

[CraftyCath]

I went to my first art group last Thursday.:tup: I went early so I didn't have to walk into a full room.

The chap I talked to last week wasn't there but a lady was and she helped me to sort out some equipment and find a picture to paint.

Everyone was so nice but I did feel a little out it because I couldn't remember anyone's name! I have a real problem putting names to faces.

I drew some Iris's and another lady helped me with colours etc. Someone made me a cup of tea and I even had a good chat with most people. My hands were shaking as I was drawing because I was so nervous! :eek: I'm sure that will settle down when I have been a few times. Everyone was very reasureing and told me they had all felt that way when they were new.

I'm half way through the picture and will try to finish it tomorrow. It isn't very good but I am a beginner with paint so I can't be too hard on myself.

I really enjoyed it and the time just flew by. I'm there again tomorrow. :tup: