Note to Self - Make Some Art!

It’s been a whirlwind here at Root & Runner this month. Between a full class schedule, setting up the gallery, welcoming artists and instructors to the space, getting to know the neighborhood and generally chasing every idea that wakes me up at night with a question that always begins with, “What if…” it’s hard to believe that our doors have been open only a few short weeks.

As I continue to work on firming up class schedules and letting everyone know about our amazing classes, I find that I am not making as much art as I want. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Emily Runnerstrom and I am the owner of Root & Runner Creative Space. Prior to to this exciting new gig I had the wonderful fortune to be the gallery manager at Richeson School of Art & Gallery in Kimberly Wisconsin. Richeson Gallery is a one of a kind place that combines a first class art gallery, teaching studio, and art supply retail space. I spent my time there curating art exhibitions, coordinating art classes, and running the retail space with an amazing group of talented individuals. I would be there still if it wasn’t for a series of serendipitous events that allowed me to take over this amazing teaching studio.

As I said, Richeson School of Art & Gallery is an amazing space run by phenomenal people who I am pleased to continue to call friends. The one complaint about my time at Richeson (and I can only blame myself to be honest) is that during my three years there, I stepped back from making my own art. I found that putting in every effort to supporting the creative community of the Fox River Valley didn’t leave me with the energy to spend extra time in the studio at the end of the day. So upon opening R&R, nestled among my top five goals, was to use the R&R as MY studio, to actively make art in this amazing space that just begs to used creatively. SO what have I been doing with my time since opening? Everything BUT make art. Ah well. I suppose old habits die hard.

What’s a girl to do? I am happiest when my hands and my head are engaged together in the act of creation but there are so many tasks that beg my attention as a small business owner. How do I find the balance that is key to being a successful AND happy business owner? I'm not sure how I will answer that question in the long run but for now, I am taking some steps towards that goal.

One thing has become clear. Instead of looking for the time to make art, I need to make the time to make art. I am starting small. On Saturdays, I put admin on hold and dig out something to work on. I am also seeking out personal challenges. On Saturday, June 28th we hosted our first life drawing session and I am pleased to say that our classroom worked marvelously well. I was able to join in and work on my portraiture skills - something I haven’t done in about 20 years! I have a ways to go but that first challenge, that first step has me excited for more.

I am reminding myself daily upon walking though the doors, “Make time to make art today.” And I challenge you to do the same. Challenge yourself to reacquaint yourself with an old activity or try something brand new. Make time to be creative everyday. Make art, write in your journal, sing along to your favorite song adding some personal flair, try a new recipe - do something that engages your hands, your head, and your heart. It doesn't have to be perfect - It doesn’t even have to be good!

What is your “Note to Self?” I hope you join me in this adventure!