The completion of a work of art often feels like magic. Whether transforming a blank canvas into a portrait, revealing a sculpture hidden within a block of wood, or weaving simple yarn into a complex pattern, making something from nothing can be a powerful experience. For seasoned artists and beginners alike, it can feel almost supernatural. Craig Thompson, one of my favorite contemporary artists, beautifully captures this notion in the closing passage of his graphic novel, Blankets, as he reflects on the experiences of youth and observes his footsteps in the snow. “How satisfying it is to leave a mark on a blank surface. To make a map of my movement – no matter how temporary,” he wrote.
It’s no surprise that one of the most enchanting times of the year should inspire such acts of creation. For centuries, creative minds have turned to the arrival of autumn and the change it brings in the form of new colors, shifting temperatures, and reflections on the passing of another year. While the beauty of fall is fleeting, the creative energy it brings is bountiful and has formed the basis of numerous creative challenges throughout the season. Inktober, Drawtober, Artober, Drawlloween, Doodlewash, Sculptober, National Novel Writing Month – just to name a few. While the specifics of these challenges vary, the ultimate goal is universal – create something. To that end, the Greenwood Public Library will be hosting 4 Drawtober programs throughout the month of October to celebrate the creative spirit of fall and engage in the simple joy of making.
I’ve always had a strong passion for creative endeavors myself, but participating in the official Drawtober challenge for the first time two years ago gave me a much-needed creative boost. If you’ve ever tried making something and felt stuck — or just plain didn’t know where to start — these creative prompt lists can serve as a great antidote. I used the Drawtober list in 2020 as a way to challenge myself to create interesting scenes using a 3D-modeling program I’d been learning at the time. It turned into an exciting month-long experiment in creativity and allowed me to apply my budding knowledge of the software while wrestling with some ideas I never would have come up with on my own.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, October challenges like Drawtober are a good way to dabble and try things out. Sometimes people just need a structured space to get their creative energy flowing. This notion is precisely what attracted me to my current position as the Associate of The Studio, the makerspace at GPL. It’s a place where you can try all sorts of making-related activities in the form of kits – readymade bins with supplies, resource guides, books and more. The idea is simple – check out a kit (no library card required), use it within the makerspace to create whatever you like, return the supplies to us, and walk away with a new creation and hopefully a bit of creative knowledge as well.
You can visit us at the library and check these kits out any time we’re open, but our Drawtober programs throughout this month will be great way to see some of what we have to offer. During the programs, prompts from some of the most popular October challenges will be shared, art supplies from our kits in The Studio will be provided, and space will be given to spend time creating for people of all skill levels. No experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to stop by and make something. For specific dates and times, check out the program calendar on the GPL website. We hope to see you there.
Evan Medcalf is the Studio Associate at Greenwood Public Library. GPL staff members share in writing this bi-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
