Finding Community in an Art-Centered Life

Reflections from Open Studio Weekend and a cookie recipe.

This year’s Open Studio was more than an event; it was a celebration of what I’m coming to understand as an “art-centered life.” My friend and fellow artist Tim McFarlane used this phrase in a recent substack [link] post and I love the idea. Tim’s life is deeply committed to his art, and he’s made choices to preserve it. Like him, I’m realizing that this commitment requires conscious effort, as well as a supportive community.

Preparing for Open Studio was a family effort, with Jim, and the kids, and I making space, hanging pieces, and preparing snacks. The weekend brought 53 visitors and 19 art sales, but what I gained went far beyond numbers. Friends, collectors, and fellow artists passed through, each connection reinforcing the value of this shared creative path.

Since August, I’ve been making an effort to meet other artists, going to at least one gallery opening a month and networking where I can. Recently, I celebrated fellow artist, Thom Duffy’s [link to article about Thom] birthday, a gathering that was full of energy and inspiration. Thom lives his own art-centered life with commitment and joy. Being among so many artists, collectors, and creative people, I felt how much these connections mean for all of us— a strong community I am lucky to be part of.

This year’s Open Studio experience affirmed that an art-centered life isn’t just a phrase—it’s a framework that allows me to move and grow, inspired by others who share the same vision. It started on Saturday with old friends, collectors, and new acquaintances stopping sparking conversations about our work process and resulting in a few art sales. Afterward, Jim and I caught a Pokey LaFarge show at WXPN [link to website]. Sunday brought a flood of artist friends, students, and even the Artist and Craftsman [link to website] manager, who handed out samples—always a treat. By the end of the weekend, we had welcomed 53 people, sold 19 pieces, and created space for the next series.

We saw old friends, met internet acquaintances in person, and learned our outreach—both mail and social—was worth the effort. Decades ago I was advised to keep my studio private, but sharing my space opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. While we won’t host another Open Studio for a few years, this one left us with ideas, joy, and gratitude. The connections and support I felt will continue grounding me in this life, allowing my art to grow from a shared, solid foundation.

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Aidan’s Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies.

Hot from the oven- white chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies.

If you stopped by the open studio you might have eaten some of Aidan’s Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar packed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

• 3 cups rolled oats

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 2 large cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

  2. Combine the butter, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the vanilla extract.

  3. Mix the flour, salt, baking soda, spices, and water into the wet ingredients. Once combined add the oats then the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

  4. Bake until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for a minute before moving the cookies to the cooling rack.