Host an art swap party
Mingle with friends and inspire your creativity
By Nikki Widner
Published: February 7th, 2008 | 1:13pm
Let’s face it – whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned artist, we all need a little inspiration now and again to tackle new projects. It’s time to stop staring at your empty walls and throw a party in the name of art.
Transform your digs into a gallery for the night with art, music, food, and friends. Each guest will be asked to bring one piece of art, along with something to eat and drink. By the end of the night, everyone will leave with a new and original piece of art that they can add to their personal collection.
Choose a location in your home that can be temporarily used as gallery space, such as a long hallway or living room. Look for walls and tables near outlets where you can easily display work and hang clip-on lights.
Set the mood with music. Pick your favorite songs and either shuffle them on your iPod stereo or your cd player for the night. Place the food and drinks on the kitchen table as your guests arrive and make sure there is enough mingling room.
Use the words of modernist poet Ezra Pound, “Make it new” as your party theme. Make new art, showcase artistic talent, and personalize your art collection all in one party.
Invites
Pick a date for your party and ask each of your friends to bring a piece of art, a snack, and a drink to share. Design your own invitations with office supplies. Use large shipping tags, sharpie markers, file folders, magazine cutouts, or whatever you have in stock.
Art Swap Set-Up
Create the gallery scene. Choose several blank walls and small tables to display your guests’ work as they arrive. Light the scene with a few clip on lamps, hang one on each wall above the artwork and clip one on each table. Make a song list and let your iPod or cd player deejay on shuffle.
Future Art Swap Collective
Don’t just stop here, create an ongoing Art Swap Collective and keep the creativity flowing. Spread the word with friends and acquaintances. Designate a rotating schedule so that each artist can host a party once a month. Art is for everyone, get inspired, create, and share.
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