explore the arts

Here at The Whiskey Porch, we believe that a smaller and simpler lifestyle should be:

• sustainable
• seasonal
• nordic inspired
• ​and, artful

This week, we are thinking about some ways to incorporate artfulness in our lives.

I think it's vital to carve out time in your schedule, whether it be weekly or just monthly, to open yourself up to creativity.  It may seem frivolous if you aren't an artist, but the truth is that doing something creative is beneficial in countless physical and emotional ways.  It's good for you!

And it brings you together with other people in a positive and open way.  Nothing bad about that.

There are two general ways to incorporate more creativity and artfulness into your life:

1. Do it yourself - as in, create something 
2. Explore and support the arts in your community

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​create something

Maybe first and foremost, I would encourage you to create something yourself.  Whether it be an actual physical piece of art, or designing your kitchen garden, or crafting an artful coat rack for your home -- it's all creative.

​Even if you don't consider yourself to be an artist, using your hands and your own creativity is essential to a satisfying and well-balanced life.  It's not the result that matters, but the process itself. 

I could write a whole blog post about just that - in fact I have spent years doing just that as the founder of the Arizona Artisans Collective and as a glass and metal artist at Baldur Studios. 

And of course, here at The Whiskey Porch, I'm sharing how we incorporate artistry and handmade works with the story of the renovation of our historic cottage - and you can follow along with that on the Juniper Hill Cottage blog.
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​exploring the arts in prescott

For this blog post,  I really wanted to pull together a few options that would allow everyone to support the arts without getting their hands dirty or studio messy. 

​Here in our little mountain town of Prescott, AZ we are fortunate to have a truly vibrant arts and creative community.  There's more than I could possibly list here, so I am just going to highlight five of our favorites for now...
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​#1:  4th Friday artwalk

Starting at 5:00pm the 4th Friday of every month, you are invited to visit participating galleries located in and around downtown Prescott. 

​Each month features special events and exhibits along with artists demonstrating their work.

It's a fun, no pressure way to explore our little town, while enjoying expertly made local artwork, and supporting small, locally owned businesses.

You'll find the events listed on our Local Events Calendar, and you can learn more here.  You can also download a great map and gallery guide.

​#2:  Acker Night Music Festival

This year marks the 31st annual event on Friday December 13th.  

Starting at 5:00pm the entire downtown is shut down to pedestrian-only access and almost every shop and gallery is open late with live music 

being performed by local musicians all with a fun holiday vibe going on. It's really wonderful. Wander and explore and enjoy. It's a hugely popular local tradition!!  And, it's free.

You'll find the event listed on our Local Events Calendar, and you can learn more here.

​#3:  Prescott studio tour

Early every October, the greater Prescott area showcases around 75 local artists in their studios and a couple of art center.

Last year there were 53 locations on the map.

You can take a self-guided tour to visit all or just a few of the studios and enjoy the artfulness.

In 2020, the event is scheduled for October 2, 3, and 4th.  

​You'll find the event listed on our Local Events Calendar, and you can learn more here.

​#4: Summer art festivals

Because of our elevation and location amid the pines and junipers, Prescott is host to countless art markets and festivals over the summer.

Here's a few of the highlights, just to give you an idea:

• Prescott Fine Art & Wine Festival in May, perfect for Mothers Day outings
• Bluegrass Festival in June, for the last 38 years
• Prescott Indian Art Market in July
• Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Art Show also in July
• Prescott Arts & Crafts Festival in August, for the last 70 years!
• Annual Fall Navajo Rug and Indian Art Auction in September
• and on, and on...

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You'll find the events listed on our Local Events Calendar,  which you can filter by searching for "art".

​#5: visit a gallery

And, finally,  you can always just spend a day visiting some of our local art galleries on your own.  

Make a day out of it!  Countless options are available for breaks, meals, and treats as you explore.

• Van Gogh's Ear Gallery
•  Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery
• Newman Gallery
• Prescott Center for the Arts
• Ian Russell Gallery of Fine Art
• Mountain Artists Guild, Arizona's oldest artist guild
• 'Tis Art Center & Gallery
• Yavapai College Art Gallery
• Natural History Institute Art Gallery
• just to name a few... !

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Thanks for reading - I hope you found these suggestions worthwhile and inspiring. 

If you have other ideas or if we missed listing your favorite artful spot in town, please let us know in the comments below.  We would be happy to amend our list!

You will find lots more local goodness if you need more:

More Local Goodness

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Peace and contentment,
​~Miriam