How to Make Friends With Art
Friendships increase our sense of well being, reduce stress, build happiness, help us feel connected and give us a sense of purpose. Research by the Australian Council for the Arts found that participation in art-related activities helps to connect families, connect diverse communities, enhance skills, acts against violence and discrimination and open pathways to employment. For those who enjoy art, the conversations and shared appreciation for a variety of media can open doors to friendship. Whether you create art, collect it or simply appreciate it, you'll find an avenue to make friends who share your enjoyment of beautiful things.
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Instructions
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Attend gallery exhibits, artists' receptions, art fundraisers and outdoor art shows and sales. Make an appreciative comment about an artist or piece that you like. You may encounter people you already know and the art pieces may link you in a new friendship.
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Learn about specific artists, periods of art and media to see what interests you most. As you attend art events, use your knowledge appropriately to start friendly conversations or ask questions about pieces that interest you.
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Script some ideas for conversation starters such as, "Are you familiar with this artist?" or "I really like this piece. Do you have a favorite in this exhibit?"
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Make eye contact with others and let your enthusiasm for the work shine through. Other people find a positive attitude attractive, and someone may approach you and start a conversation.
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Invite an acquaintance to attend an exhibit or artist reception. You may discover a common interest or develop a mutual interest in something new.
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Join a local art association or become a "friend" of a museum by becoming a member or financial supporter. Universities with art museums have friend groups that send out notices of upcoming exhibits. Some exhibitions may need volunteers to serve as docents or trained tour guides to explain the works while guiding groups of visitors.
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Sign up for a class or workshop. Experiment with something new such as colored pencil, wood working, quilting or another topic offered through the evening enrichment courses at local school districts. Introduce yourself to the people around you and make a sincere compliment about some aspect of another person's work.
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Allow friendships to develop slowly. The Mayo Clinic says that friendships can start with a smile or gesture and grow gradually over time. You may run into some of the same people at multiple venues, and the familiar faces may make it easier to smile, say hello and ask the other person how they're enjoying the exhibit or event.
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Nurture your new friendships without overwhelming others. You may have more time or energy to devote to the relationship, and the Mayo Clinic suggests respecting each other's schedules and limiting the length of calls or emails.
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References
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- Photo Credit gallery image by MATTHIEU FABISIAK from Fotolia.com
