This October, celebrate the arts during Choose Indie Art Month hosted by the American Independent Business Alliance. We’ll recognize all types of artists — crafters, painters, musicians, actors, writers, and other creators — and boast about the positive impacts artists have on our community and local economy.
“There’s perhaps nothing more personal than a gift of the arts,” said Cynthia Freese, Artists Sunday Director. “Give something special, unique, and handcrafted this holiday season and support local artists and the local economy.”
Celebrating local art during Choose Indie Art Month in October elevates the goals of our Shop Indie Local Holiday campaign, too. We can encourage people to give a gift from the heart and find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from local artisans and experiences at independent arts venues.
Five Ways to Celebrate
1. Commission Indie Art
Purchasing local and handmade gifts for loved ones is a fantastic way to celebrate. Have a favorite artist? Ask if they accept commissions. If so, commission them to create a one-of-a-kind piece of work using local materials.
“In this way, you can enjoy being a benefactor twice over: to the local economy—helping to strengthen it—and to the environment,” wrote the Artisans Cooperative, a co-op marketplace featuring handmade goods. “By sourcing local material, your local artisan is passing on your support to other local and regional businesses. What’s good for one is—in this case—good for many!”
2. Choose Indie Art Events
Choose Indie Markets: Seek out opportunities to purchase art and creative works from multiple local artists at holiday fairs, festivals, and pop-up events. Strike up a conversation or two with the artist and get inspired!
“Even if you don’t buy a piece at every visit, artisans are encouraged by people showing interest in their work,” shared the Artisans Cooperative. “Your presence can also bring in other curious folk who may begin supporting local artisans, too.”
Love films? Be sure to attend local film festivals and screenings at local theaters.
Support young artists: Find opportunities to celebrate emerging artists.
Whether cinema, theater, music, or visual arts events, support them all!
3. Go On Tour
Take advantage of open studio events that let you meet local artists and see where they work.
Visit public art in your community, like murals, sculptures, and other installations, for all to see.
“Public art is not a singular art form. Its size can be huge or small. It can tower fifty feet high or call attention to the paving beneath your feet. Its shape can be abstract or realistic (or both), and it may be cast, carved, built, assembled, or painted. It can be site-specific or stand in contrast to its surroundings. What distinguishes public art is the unique association of how it is made, where it is, and what it means. Public art can express community values, enhance our environment, transform a landscape, heighten our awareness, or question our assumptions. Public art is a reflection of how we see the world—the artist’s response to our time and place.”
~ Association for Public Art
4. Take a Class
You’re an artist and a creative, too! Get your creative juices flowing by signing up for an art class or two.
“Art-making is widely recognized as a therapeutic activity that supports mental wellness,” states the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts website. Studies have shown that engaging in creative work can reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and increase self-esteem. It offers a safe, constructive outlet for expressing feelings that may be hard to put into words. Whether you’re sculpting a bowl, painting a canvas, or sketching a figure, art provides space to be present in the moment—something that’s deeply restorative for the mind and spirit.”
5. Show Off Your (And Others) Art
Share your creative spirit with your friends, family, and coworkers. Ask others to show you their art.
Feature local art on your office walls for your colleagues and clients to enjoy.
Give a social media shoutout to the local artists who inspire you. Tag your posts with #chooseindieart so we can share them with others.
“Art is not only about what an artist creates,” said Sarah L. Stewart, N.H. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Commissioner. “It’s also about how that art changes the lives of those who experience it.”
How Did Choose Indie Art Partners Celebrate Last Year?
“The arts are the lifeblood of our communities, raising morale, creating community cohesion, and providing comfort during dark times while also delivering a huge economic footprint,” said Nolen V. Bivens, former president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “And it is more important than ever that everyone take part to recognize the creative and cultural value of the arts and humanities in our communities.”