This question was posed today by Tara at Scoutie Girl.
Creativity doesn’t come easily to everyone just like math or sports don’t come easily to others. I feel lucky to have been encouraged to cultivate my creativity through classes, summer camps, workshops, with the help of family members who were not afraid to shower a room in glitter and by a grandmother who made the most beautiful needlepoint masterpieces.
I learned the patience and problem solving skills that come from imagining your finished product and using the materials available to you as you craft that final project to perfection. Now, perfection didn’t always happen but I felt a sense of accomplishment by having tried.
I see this same encouragement in the Pittsburgh crafting community for all generations. The Pittsburgh Craft Collective works hard to connect master craftspeople with students of all ages to teach the art of craft. Spaces like Wildcard and the Tin Front Cafe provide space to get together, craft and share. So get out there, bring the kids, and craft!
In my mind the same rules do apply to all generations – encouraging others to explore their creative impulses (and engaging in those processes) no matter the medium helps us all to become more skilled makers. And, sharing in skill building through the community builds a tradition and strong base to grow the next generation of crafters.
We’ve had a fantastic time at IMI holding a number of WorkShops for what we call the “Future Crafters of Pittsburgh” through the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Strong Women Strong Girls and the Children’s Museum¬†of Pittsburgh. We hope to provide the same to new organizations so bring on the new generation!
