This week’s newsletter is late because I spent yesterday rebuilding my energy after an event that sapped every ounce. But in a good way. It was fun, exhausting, surprising...and it taught me some profound lessons about creativity.
Saturday night was the painted wine barrel auction. The one that I (and many others) have been working on for months. The auction itself benefitted our arts center; it was part of a larger wine tasting event featuring local vineyards, a cheese maker, chocolatier, bakery, and food from celebrity chefs—at a beautiful event space in the countryside.
As the space filled up, people were drawn to the barrels
As an artist-turned-event-organizer, I went through many glitches, missteps, moments of panic, sleepness nights, and endless list-making. Lots of banging around in my head, rearranging things to perfection, obsessing about what could go wrong.
But when I let go of expectations and just tried to be helpful, I looked around and saw magic. It was no longer about me. It was about the power of creativity in the room. It was spinning a collective joy that permeated the space. The artists were having a great time. Their painted barrels were like ambassadors bringing light to new lands—where they were welcomed and appreciated. The bidders enjoyed winning their artworks. The winery people enjoyed the extra energy at their event. Money was raised for our various organizations—not as much as we’d hoped, but the fun we had made it all worthwhile.
The artist Charles S. Pyle proudly displaying his painted barrel
As I ruminated during my recovery day, I realized something: creativity thrives in community. The more we work together, the more energy we generate for our projects. Partnership makes it more doable, fun, and successful.
Another thing: creativity is truly a force to be reckoned with. 27 artists contributed their time, talents, and energy to paint 100-pound barrels—and all that color, imagination, humor, whimsy, and love lit up the space.
And finally, creativity in service to others generates endless energy. I should have run out of energy days ago--but I'm more fired up than ever. I realized that it seems I do my best work when I’m serving a cause, a client/student, or a community. Some artists thrive in solitude, dancing alone with their Muse. Perhaps that will be me again someday. But for now, I want to co-create. To offer my work in service to community, connection, and love.
Interesting conversations were inspired!
If you feel so inspired, please check out Petaluma Arts Center. It’s a special place that serves our community.
And just a reminder, I'm teaching an online workshop called "The Story of Light" on 11/11. More info on my new (and evolving) teaching site: www.parrcreate.com.
