Emerging Artists On Main

Book Club

Emerging Artists On Main is a few people gathering over shared non-negotiables. We believe it is imperative to be creative. As life is shared inwardly and outwardly, we believe that despite the aging that is overtaking all of our bodies and minds we must never let the practice of expression be silenced. In our ever-changing world of automated thinking, we are determined to remain human oriented.

Our Mission

To support emerging artists in developing creative habits, critical thinking, and artistic identity through reading, discussion, film and practice. As we share our individual experiences, each of us we will be inspired to create. We are not just readers but actively contribute in various mediums to inspire.

12-Month Book Club & Creative Practice Syllabus

  • The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

    A seminal 1992 self-help book by Julia Cameron designed to help readers overcome creative blocks and unlock their artistic potential.

    This is a 12-week commitment:

    • June 4: Intro, book distribution, intention setting

    • June 11: Chapters 1-2 discussion

    • June 18: Chapters 3-4 discussion

    • June 25: Film Screening “Rivers and Tides”, Andy Goldsworthy documentary)

    • July 2, 9, 16: Chapters 5-8 discussion

    • July 23: Film Screening Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011 documentary)

    • July 30, August 6, 13: Chapters 9-12 discussion

    • August 20: Film Screening Kusama: Infinity (2018 documentary)

    Books will be provided at the first session.

    $25 (includes book)

    Sign Up

  • The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

    From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • September 3: Introduction + framing themes

    • September 10: Theme discussion - Awareness & Attention

    • September 17: Theme Discussion - Process vs. Judgment

    • September 24: Silent Creation Session (no film)

    Books will be provided at the first session.

    $25 (includes book)

    Sign Up

  • Big Magic by Elizabet Gilbert

    From the worldwide bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and City of Girls: the path to the vibrant, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of.

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • October 1, 8, 15: Reading + discussion

    • October 22: Film Screening: Frida (2002 film)

    $25 (includes book)

    Sign Up

  • Focus Month: Craft, Design Systems, Art as Work

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • November 5,12: Discussions on practice & process

    • November 19: Artist work share

    • November 26: Film screening: Bauhaus: The Face of the 20th Century (1994 documentary)

    Registration required (no core book)

    Sign Up

  • The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • December 3, 10, 17: Reading + Exercises

    • December 24: Reflection session (no film)

    $25 (includes book)

    Sign Up

  • Focus Month: Art, Politics, and Cultural Control

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • January 3, 10, 19: Guided discussions:

      • Art under political pressure

      • Censorship & propaganda

      • Who decides what art is “valid”?

    • January 31: film Screening: Degenerate Art (Documentary on the 1937 Nazi exhibition “Entartete Kunst”

    Registration required (no core book)

    Sign Up

  • Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

    An inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age, Steal Like an Artist presents ten transformative principles that will help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life.

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • February 4, 11: Reading

    • Feburary 18: Creative workshop

    • February 25: Film Screening Helvetics (2007 documentary)

    $25 (includes book)

    Sign Up

  • Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • March 4, 11, 18: Reading + discussion

    • March 25: Film Screening Tim’s Vermeer (2013 documentary)

    $25 (includes book)

    Sign Up

  • Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon

    Show Your Work! is about why generosity trumps genius. It’s about getting findable, about using the network instead of wasting time “networking.” It’s not self-promotion, it’s self-discovery―let others into your process, then let them steal from you.

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • April 1, 8, 15: Reading + practical exercises

    • April 22: Portfolio / sharing session

    $25 (includes book)

    Sign Up

  • Focus Month: Community & Exhibition

    This is a 4-week commitment:

    • May 6: Reflective discussion

    • May 13: Artist presentation

    • May 20: Group critique

    • May 27: Final exhibition / showcase

    Optional Film Screening: The Price of Everything (2018 documentary)

    Registration required (no core book)

    Sign Up