Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle includes mostly dancers- but also musicians, poets, painters, photographers, lawyers, scientists, actors, and filmmakers. Basically, everyone!

How do you expand your art circle?

Expanding my art circle is my favorite part about having one. Informal conversations when simply hanging out is the way to go in my eyes. Do you have an idea? Do you want to create something? You’re in. We are not an exclusive group. Your ideas are unique and, and WE WANT YOU! If interested in collaborating, shoot me a DM @vpbarnett :p

What value do you see in having a creative community?

Being an artist is not about you and your thoughts alone. My creative community allows me to think, learn, grow, and be challenged by others. I am always evolving and exploring new ideas, which would only be possible with collaborating with other artists. Having a group of people that I can receive and give support to is what keeps me going. The weeks where everything is great and that creative fire is alive- I can share that joy with my peers. And then the weeks where work is slow, my body hurts, and my creative vessel is empty- well these are the times where my peers help me stay focused and inspired.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

I’m a very “let’s just do it” type of creator. I think this is valuable in my community because I usually don’t give myself or collaborators time to overthink the logistics of making art. It’s all just play. And then we get it done. And it’s always wonderful- the process and the product. I can see myself and my friends getting better with each project. I also like to inspire people to create their own works (because I think that is extremely important in cultivating a thriving art scene), which I believe contributes to the overall success of the community, artist or not.