Just about everyone has a bit of creativity within them … some more than others of course, but creativity is in the eye of the beholder, so to speak, and Amanda Dean, founder and creative director behind the Macomb Creative Collab (MC2), is offering a 'non-intimidating' monthly project to not only showcase the works of area residents, but to also build a better community.
The 6 x 6 Project, which launched last month, provides a prompt via the project's Facebook group (go to arthousefolkschool.com to join and find prompts), which individuals can use to create a work of art (or a craft) on a 6 x 6 canvas, piece of paper or other medium that falls within the measurement. The January prompt is 'Luminary,' and as Dean explained, the project can be written words, a photo, a painting, anything that creatively showcases the prompt.
'A lot of people don't consider themselves creative, or those who do, may be intimidated by a project, so by providing a prompt, and a smaller scope, it might be less intimidating for those new to art or those who might not know where to begin,' Dean shared.
'There's no critiquing, no judging. Just a supportive community and a chance to show others your skills, even if you're just learning. It's very low pressure!'
The latest project in Dean's MC2 falls in line with her vision of the four 'prongs' within the collab: The collab has a fourpronged approach, which includes 'No Place Like Macomb' and the 'Macomb Love Letters Project' within; the Macomb Arthouse Project (MAP); The Macomb Artisans Guild, and the Macomb Arthouse Café & Folk School. Her office and creative space is located at 133 S. Randolph St., Ste. 210 in the downtown Masonic Building. This is also the space where the 6 x 6 works will be dropped off between 1-4 p.m. the first Sunday of the month (January's 'Luminary' prompt will be dropped off Sunday, Feb.
1). Those who aren't quite finished with their creations can use that time to work in the open space that Dean has created.
'Please interpret the prompt as literally or figuratively as you wish,' she added. 'All mediums are welcome; however, 3D works must be mounted on a 6x6 inch substrate for the hanging display, which will be swapped out each month. And all ages are welcome to participate.'
The end goal, she noted, is to have an exhibition in Macomb in 2027 that features this year's 6 x 6 projects.
'I'm excited to see the variety of projects when we finish this year,' Dean said.
'It will be really neat to see how it grows, how our community ebbs and flows over the months.'
For more information on the 6 x 6 project or MC2, visit arthousefolkschool. com.
