For Friends Who Are Artists

Need inspiration? Try art.

Thursday, June 4, 2009—As part of a talk at last year’s New England SCBWI conference, Laurie Halse Anderson mentioned art in a writer’s life, how taking in different kinds of art can replenish, invigorate, and stimulate your senses as a writer. I remember thinking, Absolutely, it’s amazing how new channels of creativity seem to open when you step out of your own routine to look at, listen to, be part of some other kind of art. Sometimes, however, in the day-to-day rush of life, getting that regular art infusion takes a back seat to other responsibilities and activities. 

That’s one of the many reasons why it’s great having friends who are visual artists. They’re the ones who call with a, “Hey, what are you doing in a couple of hours? There’s this really cool installation…” Here, I’ll thank Virginia. She arranged a birthday supper for 21 on Tuesday that was kicked off by a stop at Holliston High School to see an exhibit called “Inner Garden,” a walk-in, sit-down, touch-and-feel imaginative garden space, created by other artists who worked collectively on the project during the winter, then completed with the help of students when it was brought into the school. 21, Lola, and Bubbles had fun exploring the space, lying in the beds, and picking out their favorite garden “rocks.” I enjoyed stepping from locker-lined hallways and my world of commas and semicolons into this fabric-rich, magical garden of ideas.

"Dress of Etiquette" by Virginia Fitzgerald

And that wasn’t the only art of the week. Congrats,Virginia, on your new sculpture, “Dress of Etiquette,”  which is part of the annual juried members’ exhibitition at the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham! I went to the show’s opening last night—some fabulous pieces are on display. So if you’re in Boston’s Metrowest area, stop by the museum. The show runs until the beginning of August.

To writers, go grab some art. And to our artist friends, thanks!