The "Out of the Blue Art Gallery" in Cambridge, MA

The Out of the Blue Art Gallery warmly displays its colors by welcoming local artists of all stripes into its family. Once you walk in, you will never want to walk out. The walls glow with paintings and photography. The windows are decorated with modern displays. Music often serenades guests as they browse among the collections that grace the room. The gallery staff are friendly and will most likely engage you in a lively conversation about shared passions and experiences. They will also tell you about all of the events held at the gallery, such as poetry readings, music jams, open mics, and art classes.

Tom Tipton and Deborah Priestly are the co-owners/managers who have been working to keep the gallery open for over 10 years. They support artists from around the state and offer classes for those who strive to express themselves through visual art. Deborah is an encouraging teacher and she welcomes all who desire to practice and grow in their art each Wednesday evening for $10.

Not only are there paintings and photography sold at the gallery, there are also hand-crafted journals, blank cards, sculptures, and poetry chapbooks that contain the collections of local poets who meet there every week. Stone Soup Poetry, founded in 1971 by Jack Powers, meets each Monday night at 8pm. It is a poetry open mic where you can perform your poetry and listen to the poetic expression of fellow writers. Other poetry events include Open Bark Poetry & Music on Saturday nights, and the Dire Literary Series on the first Friday of every month.

There are often social events, such as BBQs, to bring the entire Out of the Blue family together in celebration of gallery milestones and the contributions of everyone in attendance. Children are welcome because the gallery is a family-friendly place. Food is shared, music is played, bubbles are blown, poetry is spoken, guests dance together and arms reach out to gather you in.

The Out of the Blue Art Gallery is an amazing space that welcomes the visitor with open arms. It cradles the emerging artist with love, and gives those who desire a community with spirit the chance to call it their heart's home.

An Ever-Widening Family Circle

Being an urban hub for artists of every sort, the community formed at the gallery often expands and travels to other local venues. Harris Gardener hosts Bagel Bards at the Au Bon Pan bakery in Davis Square, Somerville, MA. Musicians who jam and perform at the gallery also perform at The Middle East restaurant and nightclub up the street, and the Cantab Lounge down the street. Some of the artists featured at the gallery have also been featured at the Middle East restaurant and the gallery on the ground floor of Boston's Government Center.

The Spirituality of Making Art

Humans have been making art since the first ancient members of our species carved and painted on cave walls. We have been creating beautiful things to use or decorate across millennia. We drew observations about our world to learn from and we often worked to replicate landscapes that filled us with wonder and awe, whether they rose up from the earth or seemed to float in the heavens above us.

Many people see our attraction to making art as a direct connection to the divine presence within us. I agree. If you have always wanted to make something in a particular style of art, now is a good time to pick up your tools and start. May you reap abundant blessings from your efforts!

Resources for Learning How to Make Art

There are many places to turn for learning how to create pieces of art. I learned to knit from watching a YouTube video. I have published a couple of DIY how-to hubs that outline the steps for creating something beautiful, such as a mural of sunflowers. I have read beautiful books about journaling, paper making, doodling, and Zentangle art. Whatever your favorite way to learn, there is a resource in the world that will be a perfect match for you to use.

Solitary or in the Company of Fellow Artists

Generally, It is good to have materials on hand for when you are inspired to create an original work of art, especially if you like to learn and create in the comfort of your own home space.

At times, you may like to learn art and craft skills by taking classes. I've attended a watercolor painting class offered at the Boston Public Library and a series of art classes in mixed media at Out of the Blue Gallery. I have also engaged in craft circles with girlfriends at our church.

A New Space for Neighbors to Gather

Our town purchased an old church, which is being rebuilt and renovated for the purpose of serving as our community center. It is located across the street from our public library. The basement of that church has been completed and the town is already hosting an exhibit of a local artist's paintings, cartooning classes, fingernail painting and a knitting group, among other activities. One site that might lead you to find an art class or group near you is Meetup. From there, who knows what new adventures you will find an opportunity to embark upon with some new friends by your side? Bon voyage!