Discover the Joy of Art in Concord, NH
Whether you’re sketching in a notebook, painting on a canvas, or molding clay with your hands, art offers a myriad of benefits that go beyond just having fun. Plus, the power of creativity can enhance well-being, boost confidence, and bring joy to people of all ages. Read on for tips on finding inspiration and creative outlets in Concord, NH.
Guest blogger, Susan Riedl, creates a chalk drawing at the Concord Farmers Market.
Affordable Creativity
One of the greatest things about making art is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few basic supplies—such as paper, pencils, and paints—you can start creating beautiful works of art. Here are a few low-cost art ideas:
Drawing: A sketchpad and a set of pencils or pens are all you need to get started. Drawing is a versatile activity that you can do anywhere, from your living room to a park bench.
Painting: Watercolors, acrylics, or even basic craft paints are affordable and can produce stunning results. You can paint on canvas, paper, or even repurpose old materials like cardboard, and even an old pair of jeans. Making wearable art is a great way to spend a sunny summer day. Taking time to tie-dye, and add a hand drawn image makes it even more special, by using sharpie markers, or acrylic paints.
Collage: Gather magazines, newspapers, an out of date textbook, and other recyclable materials to create unique collages. There is a whole world of art called altered books, and it can be a freeing experience for the artist to change pages from older to something new again. All you need is some glue, markers, and a small surface to work on.
Nature's Mandala: Creating a found object art installation is a fantastic way to engage with your environment creatively and resourcefully. On a walk through the park, or on the beach, find a few natural objects such as flowers, leaves, sticks, shells, and make a small arrangement on the earth surface. (Find a list of trails and maps in Concord on the city’s website.) Take a photo with your smartphone to keep, and have fun applying filters to brighten it up. This is a great way to combine both nature and technology. Of course please be respectful and mindful of our surroundings so as to not disturb items that are meant to be left untouched by humans.
These simple, low-cost materials can open up a world of creative possibilities, making art accessible to everyone regardless of budget. One of the best places to shop for art supplies in Concord is DIY Craft & Thrift at 46 North Main Street in the heart of downtown.
You can also consider taking a summer course at Kimball Jenkins. You can find courses in pottery, embroidery, drawing, painting, dance, and much more.
Boosting Confidence Through Art
Creating art is more than just a fun pastime; it’s a powerful way to boost your confidence. Here’s how:
Self-Expression: Art allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a tangible form. This self-expression can be incredibly empowering, helping you to better understand yourself and communicate with others. This is a great way to spend time with family and use the art as a way to share inner thoughts and feelings about topics that are sometimes difficult to talk about.
Skill Development: As you practice and improve your art skills, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment. Each piece you create is a testament to your growth and progress, boosting your self-esteem.
Problem-Solving: Art often involves experimenting and finding creative solutions, which can enhance your problem-solving skills. Overcoming artistic challenges can give you a sense of achievement and resilience.
Positive Feedback: Sharing your art with others can lead to positive reinforcement and encouragement. Whether it’s through social media, local art shows, or simply sharing with friends and family, positive feedback can significantly boost your confidence.
The Fun Factor
Art is inherently fun and enjoyable. It’s a chance to play with colors, shapes, and textures, and to see the world from a different perspective. Whether you’re painting a serene landscape, crafting a whimsical sculpture, or sketching a favorite pet, the process of creating art is an engaging and joyful experience. It’s a wonderful way to relax, unwind, and let your imagination run wild.
You can also discover art at events in Concord, NH! The 50th Annual Market Days Festival June 20-22 will feature a community chalk drawing, where you can add your own flower to a walkable labyrinth on Capitol Street. The featured artist is Susan Riedl of Capital Art Therapy!
Mark you calendar for Concord Sound & Color, which will feature interactive art experiences through music, dance, sculpture, and much more.
Join Us at Capital Art Therapy LLC
Wanting more structure to access your creative side? At Capital Art Therapy LLC, we’re passionate about helping our community discover the joys of art. This summer we are offering a variety of affordable classes for youth ages 6 to 15 with Margaux Thibeault, an art educator, to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster a sense of community. She will provide guidance and support to help participants on their creative journey.
This summer, we hope you can take advantage of one of the art classes and gain a boost in confidence and foster a deeper sense of well-being. To learn more about our classes, visit our website at capitalarttherapy.com.
This guest blog was provided by Capital Art Therapy. It was written by Susan Riedl.
Susan is the owner of Capital Art Therapy LLC and is an artist, art educator, and art therapist in private practice and resides with her husband, and dog Nova in Concord, NH. She can be seen making street chalk drawings on Saturday mornings during the Concord Farmers Market located on state street next to the Capital.
Visit Concord NH is an initiative of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. This website and accompanying social media profiles showcase the best of NH’s Capital Region to travelers, new residents and long-time fans of Concord. Learn more about the Chamber at concordnhchamber.com.
