‘Artist’s Way’ course evokes higher creativity and sense of community

The Monticello Arts Initiative is kicking off the new year by hosting a new ‘Artist’s Way’ course in Monticello. The course is 12 weeks and begins on Thursday, Jan. 6, located at the What the Art (WTA) building on Broadway Street. The course follows a book by Julia Cameron titled “The Artist’s Way- A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity.”

Erica Witzmann is a local artist who has participated in various classes hosted by the Monticello Arts Initiative, and currently has art featured WTA. She is very thankful she took the class and shared that it changed her life. Witzmann found her ‘tribe’ through participating in classes and enjoys the sense of community. She shared that the atmosphere is very welcoming and encouraging.

Since taking her first class, Witzmann won a commission to redesign and implement the Ellison Park sign. She also worked on the “Humans of Monticello” project and has had many of her photos on display locally. She obtained a month-long residency spot at the WTA building for her Seascape Series. She is also now teaching courses at MontiArts.

The ‘Artist’s Way’ course is designed to improve your creativity. The class time will be focused on a discussion about art, rather than creating art. It is a journey through thoughts, ideas, and to renew interest in one’s creativity. The journey is personal for everyone who takes the course.

A past student shared their testimonial of the course, “I completely recommend this class! I took the first one MontiArts offered. Because of this class I not only discovered so much about myself and my “artist’s way,” but I met and became friends with some of the most lovely people and became part of a group and organization devoted to bringing all forms of art to the Monticello area.”

With COVID spreading like wildfire the last few years, events like Open Mic were now hosted online, and there were no in-person classes. The last ‘Artist’s Ways’ class Witzmann taught was in March 2020, right when COVID started to make a major impact on our lives. Eventually, the class transitioned to Zoom meetings for the remainder of the courses, and unfortunately, some students dropped out.

Witzmann stated that she was worried that there would be lower participation than normal with COVID still taking its toll on our daily lives. She believes now that we have found ways to keep everyone safe (i.e., wearing a mask, staying home when sick, etc.) that people will return to taking classes.

Many students shared with Witzmann that even through Zoom meetings, classes provided a sense of normalcy during very difficult times. Many participants knew each other beforehand, so it felt like getting together with friends.

MontiArts also hosts weekly events that are free to the public. Currently, there is a writer’s group on Tuesdays, Open Studio on Wednesday evenings, The ‘Artist’s Way’ class on Thursdays, and Poetry Group on Sundays.

There is a Teen Art Club that is available to Monticello High School students. Students can apply for this program through the school to participate. Elementary students have also joined in the past to make balloon lanterns for the Glow Event in Feb. 2020.

Many other classes are geared towards adults, with the goal to offer classes for all age groups and demographics. Events such as the Halloween Trick-or-Treat are open to all ages. People who attend are not only from Monticello but surrounding areas as well.            

For more information about the Monticello Arts Initiative, classes offered, or events visit https://www.facebook.com/montiarts/. For questions specifically about the ‘Artist’s Way’ course contact Erica Witzmann at erica.witz mann@gmail.com.