5 Practical Tips for Finding and Joining Art Support Groups Near You

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 7 min read

Finding a community of like-minded individuals with a passion for art can make all the difference in your artistic journey. Art support groups are a great way to connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and learn from one another. Here are five practical tips for finding and joining art support groups near you.

1. Search Online for Local Art Groups

With the digital age at its peak, the internet is your best friend when searching for art support groups. Here are a few online platforms to help you find the perfect group for you.

Use Meetup

Meetup is a fantastic platform for finding local groups of people with similar interests. To find art support groups, simply:

Visit meetup.com and create an account.
Search for "art support groups" in your area.
Browse the results and join a group that sparks your interest.

You'll be able to attend events, share your artwork, and engage with fellow artists through this platform.

Visit Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups is another excellent tool for connecting with art support groups. To find a group:

Log in to your Facebook account.
Click on the "Groups" tab in the left-hand menu.
Use the search bar to look for "art support groups" in your area.
Request to join the ones that catch your eye.

Once you're a member, you can engage with other artists, share your work, and learn about upcoming events and meetups.

Explore Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a popular platform for discovering local events, including art support group meetings and workshops. To find events:

Visit eventbrite.com and create an account.
Search for "art support groups" or related keywords in your area.
Register for any events that interest you and mark them on your calendar.

Attending these events will help you connect with local artists and potentially find the perfect art support group for you.

2. Ask for Referrals from Fellow Artists

Don't be shy about reaching out to other artists in your community for recommendations on art support groups. Here are a few ways to make connections and get valuable referrals.

Talk to Art Classmates

If you've taken art classes or workshops, chances are you've met some fellow artists who might be part of an art support group or know someone who is. Be sure to:

Strike up a conversation with your classmates.
Ask if they know of any art support groups in the area.
Exchange contact information to stay in touch and share resources.

Building relationships with your classmates can lead to valuable connections and information on local art support groups.

Reach Out to Local Artists

Local artists can be a treasure trove of information about art support groups in your area. To connect with them:

Visit art fairs, exhibitions, and open studios to meet local artists.
Strike up a conversation about their work and ask if they are part of any art support groups.
Follow them on social media to stay informed about their events and activities.

By building relationships with local artists, you'll increase your chances of finding the perfect art support group for you.

Engage with Art Teachers

Art teachers often have a wealth of knowledge about the local art scene, including art support groups. To get their insight:

Ask your current or former art teachers if they know of any art support groups in the area.
Attend workshops led by local art teachers and ask them for recommendations.
Follow art teachers on social media to stay informed about their activities and any groups they may be affiliated with.

Art teachers can be a valuable resource for finding and joining art support groups near you.

3. Check Out Art Galleries and Studios

Art galleries and studios are often hubs for local art support groups, as they provide spaces for artists to gather, collaborate, and showcase their work. Here's how to make the most of these valuable resources.

Visit Local Galleries

Exploring local galleries is a fantastic way to find out about art support groups in your area. While you're there, be sure to:

Chat with gallery staff and ask if they know of any art support groups that meet at their venue or elsewhere nearby.
Keep an eye out for flyers or notices about art-related events, workshops, or support groups on display at the gallery.
Follow the gallery on social media to stay updated on their events, exhibitions, and any potential art support groups.

Visiting local galleries can help you discover art support groups and immerse yourself in your local art scene.

Attend Gallery Openings

Gallery openings are not only great for viewing new art, but they're also excellent networking opportunities. When attending an opening, make sure to:

Introduce yourself to other attendees and ask if they're part of any art support groups.
Exchange contact information with like-minded individuals to share resources and stay connected.
Watch for announcements about upcoming events or meetings related to art support groups.

By attending gallery openings, you'll have the chance to mingle with fellow artists and find out about local art support groups.

Inquire about Art Studio Memberships

Many art studios offer memberships or shared spaces where artists can work and collaborate. To find art support groups through studio memberships, try the following:

Visit local art studios and inquire about membership opportunities.
Ask studio members if they know of any art support groups that meet at the studio or elsewhere in the community.
Attend studio events and workshops to connect with fellow artists and learn about art support groups in the area.

Art studio memberships can provide you with the resources and connections you need to find and join art support groups near you.

4. Join Art Organizations and Networks

Becoming a member of art organizations and networks can provide you with invaluable connections, resources, and access to art support groups. Here are some tips on how to get involved in these communities:

Explore National Organizations

National art organizations often have local chapters or affiliates that can connect you with art support groups in your area. To get started, you can:

Research national art organizations and find out if they have a local presence in your community.
Join the organization to gain access to member resources, events, and networking opportunities.
Reach out to the local chapter and ask about any art support groups they might be affiliated with or can recommend.

National organizations can be a powerful resource for finding art support groups near you.

Connect with Regional Art Associations

Regional art associations are another excellent way to find local art support groups. To connect with these associations, consider:

Searching for regional art associations in your area and visiting their websites to learn more about their programs and events.
Attending association events, workshops, or conferences to network with other artists and inquire about art support groups in the region.
Joining the association's mailing list or following them on social media to stay updated on their activities and any art support groups they might promote.

Regional art associations can provide essential information and connections to help you find art support groups near you.

Join Online Art Communities

Online art communities offer a virtual space for artists to share their work, exchange ideas, and find support. To find art support groups through online communities, try:

Joining art-related forums, discussion boards, or social media groups to connect with fellow artists.
Asking other community members about art support groups they're part of or know of in your area.
Participating in online events, workshops, or webinars hosted by the community to expand your network and learn about local art support groups.

By engaging in online art communities, you can find art support groups near you and connect with artists from around the world.

5. Attend Art Workshops and Classes

Art workshops and classes are not only great for improving your skills but also for connecting with other artists and finding art support groups. Here are some ways to locate and participate in these opportunities:

Find Workshops at Art Supply Stores

Art supply stores often host workshops and classes for artists of all skill levels. To find art support groups through these events, you can:

Visit local art supply stores and inquire about any upcoming workshops or classes.
Attend the workshops and classes to meet fellow artists and ask about art support groups they may be a part of.
Keep an eye on store bulletin boards or social media for announcements about new workshops and art support group meetups.

By attending workshops at art supply stores, you can not only learn new techniques but also connect with art support groups in your area.

Participate in Local Art Classes

Enrolling in local art classes can help you find art support groups in your community. To get started, consider:

Searching for art classes at nearby schools, community centers, or private studios.
Enrolling in a class that interests you and actively engaging with your classmates.
Asking your classmates and instructor about art support groups they may know of or be a part of.

By participating in local art classes, you'll not only improve your skills but also increase your chances of finding art support groups near you.

Explore Art Workshops at Community Centers

Community centers often host art workshops and classes, providing another fantastic opportunity to connect with art support groups. To explore this option, try:

Visiting your local community center and asking about any upcoming art workshops or classes they might be hosting.
Attending the workshops or classes to meet other artists and inquire about art support groups they might be a part of.
Engaging with community center staff and fellow attendees to build your network and learn about local art support groups.

By participating in art workshops at community centers, you can expand your artistic network and increase your chances of finding art support groups in your area.

If you found this blog post helpful and want to explore the therapeutic benefits of art, don't miss the workshop 'Making Art To Help Your Mental Health' by Louis Bever. This workshop will give you valuable insights and techniques on how to use art as a powerful tool for improving your mental well-being.