As we approach the end of the year in a rush of tinsel, mulled wine and mistletoe, the seasonal obligation to overindulge in exotic poultry and spirit-soaked puddings for some perplexing reason induces a nationwide mood of self-reflection. Whether it’s a genuine desire for self-improvement, or a knee-jerk reaction to a distant relative’s four-page epic of a Christmas newsletter, resolutions are an unshakable part of the festive package as we gaze out over the expansive landscape of the New Year ahead of us.
With the main gallery now closed for 2018 we’re enjoying our temporary venue on Fleet Walk again where we’re hosting the Artizan Winter Open. Surrounded by more than 200 stunning works of art from our local creatives, it’s impossible not to feel humbled by the incredible generosity we’ve been shown this year, not only from the Fleet Work Management Team who have let us pop-up here from July, but also from the vast number of artists and art lovers who have worked with and visited us this year. It’s got us reflecting on the year gone by before we’ve even had our first mince-pie, so we thought we’d share with you the resolutions we intend to continue next year that you might like to join us on. In the meantime, we hope to see you down at Fleet Walk for the Artizan Winter Open from now until Christmas Eve. Happy Holidays!
#1 – Show Up More often than not, the most important thing we can do is just show up. Whether it’s stopping in to our favourite independent coffee shop once a month, saying good morning to our neighbours on Lucius Street or attending our artists’ preview events at other venues, we’re going to keep making sure we’re sharing things in real life and not just on Facebook! And remember, you don’t need an excuse to visit us, we’re happy just to have you drop by.
#2 – Invest Locally Spending your pennies at your local butcher, baker or candlestick maker is one thing, but we’re not just referring to money. Yes, we’d encourage you to support your independent traders, particularly during the festive period, but we’re talking about really investing; invest your time, invest your energy and invest your effort in the local issues, people and communities that immediately surround you. Here at Artizan you can volunteer your time, host a group that brings people together, or share ideas that make a difference.
#3 – Be Your Creative Self None of us at the gallery have ambitions of breaking out the watercolours, we’re leaving that to our artists, but we will continue to embrace our creative selves. It’s not about grand gestures but we’re committed to doodle daily, indulge our ideas and overall not take it all too seriously. We’d encourage you all to do the same and come and be creative with us however that might be.
