At the Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association’s annual board retreat, WHNA board members discussed events and endeavors of the previous year. It struck the board members that the most popular events and projects from the previous year had been those centered around the idea of art as a means to bring community together (i.e. concerts, silent film series, mural projects, etc.). With this in mind, it was decided that WHNA should form its own Art Committee “to encourage and increase all forms of art—in order to enrich the quality of life within the Woodland Heights Neighborhood and the greater Springfield community.”
On Jan. 26, the WHNA Art Committee met for the first time and discussed their ideas of how artistic endeavors could be used to further community connectivity. The committee discussed everything from fiber art to poetry, and decided that they would have no general focus other than “creativity.” The question, though, was where and how to start the ball rolling? As many of you may know, a committee can sometimes be a slow meandering thing. The WHNA Art Committee wanted swiftness. They wanted a way to jump start the artistic spirit within the community. Before the Art Committee meeting had finished, an event was scheduled.
On Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., at the Charlie Norr Community Center at historic Lafayette Park, the WHNA Art Committee held its first Woodland Creatives Meet & Greet event. The purpose of the event was simple; the Art Committee wanted to assess the creative potential of the community. And they wanted creative types within the community to be able to meet and interact with each other in a space where their creativity could be discussed and praised. The advertisement for the event read (in part):
“Are you a Woodland Heights’ visual artist? A poet? A sculptor? A potter? A singer? Do you make beautiful quilts? Do you craft mosaics? Do you act? Or do you create life-size statues out of macaroni? Whoever you are and whatever creative thing you do—we want to meet you, friend! Not sure you qualify as a Woodland Creative? Here’s the test: Do you live in Woodland Heights? Do you do something creative that brings you joy? Do you often feel the need to share that creative thing with the public or (at least) with other people? Then come along. All are welcome. Let’s grow creative vibes in this community together!”
When 7 p.m. approached that night members of the WHNA Art Committee were unsure as to what would happen. There was some fear that perhaps nothing would happen at all. Maybe no one would come. But at 6:45 p.m. a neighbor strolled in with a stack of paintings under his arm that depicted Springfield streetscapes in glorious detail. A fiber artist followed, then a bookmaker, a 3D printmaker, aspiring writers, and artists of all sorts. The small community center filled with echoing voices. The Meet & Greet was a success! When the night was winding down, one gentleman mentioned that he had wanted to bring an instrument and share music with the community, but he had refrained from doing so out of fear of being too “showy.” The WHNA Art Committee shouted in unison,”next time bring it!”
The Meet & Greet was such a success that there will definitely be more such events to follow. The next Meet & Greet was scheduled for March 8, with more planned. We sincerely hope that we attract all of the weird and funky creatives from our area.
In Woodland Heights we believe that the way forward involves harnessing creative energy and using it for the greater good.