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Art takes many forms—spoken, written, performed, and shaped by hand. In the latest releases from Where Artists Speak, host Shelby Shea explores two very different but deeply connected artistic journeys that highlight the power of creativity, expression, and community. Episodes 18 and 19 bring together conversations with artist, actor, and writer Eric Goss, and ceramic artist and educator Dylan Ouellette, offering insight into how artists grow, adapt, and find meaning through

A Summer of Creativity, Connection, and Tiny Worlds ✨🎨 This season, we’re inviting the community to slow down, create, and reconnect through a series of beginner-friendly art workshops designed around imagination, storytelling, color, and shared creative experiences. From painting tiny galaxies and watercolor blooms to creating mystery seed packets and poetry-inspired artwork, each workshop is designed to offer a welcoming space for self-expression, creativity, and connectio

Most artists find their creative spark through personal pain. For cAPone, also known as AP, music became more than just a passion—it became a lifeline. Losing his mother at the age of six left a deep wound, but it also ignited a powerful drive to express himself through art. His story reveals how personal loss can fuel authentic storytelling, how community support can sustain an artist through struggles, and how creativity can serve as a path to healing. This post explores cA

Creativity often begins with a spark from childhood memories. For horror author and artist Alex Rino, that spark was ignited by the eerie tales of Goosebumps books and the mysterious legends of Massachusetts. In the latest episode of Starlit Studios: Where Artists Speak , host Shelby Shea explores Alex’s path from a curious child fascinated by spooky stories to a talented creator who blends writing and visual art into chilling horror experiences. This post unpacks Alex’s jou

Creativity shapes how we connect, express, and build communities. Jann, a multi-talented artist from Bridgewater, Maine, offers a vivid example of this power. Her journey through music, theater, and crafting reveals how one person’s passion can inspire others and strengthen local bonds. This post explores Jan’s artistic path, her dedication to community arts, and the ways creativity brings people together. A Thank You To Jann! About Jan Voto Jan Voto’s artistic journey began

Good morning everyone! Today, I want to share some thoughts on how to find and make time for creating art while also taking care of yourself. Many of us feel like there’s never enough time to do everything we want, especially when it comes to creative work and self-care. But the truth is, there usually is time—you just have to find it or make it. You can get up earlier, stay up later, or use downtime between tasks. Yet, if you fill every spare second with work, you might fee

Friday night marked a special moment for us as we recorded and posted the very first episode of our podcast, Starlit Studios, where artists talk . This new venture is a space dedicated to exploring the creative world through conversations with artists, creators, and community members who bring art to life in many forms. Our debut episode features the talented multimedia artist and dear friend, Miranda Cole. We introduced ourselves, shared what Starlit Studios aims to be, and

There is a unique art experience waiting for you at The Northeastland Hotel. The Stone Awakening Show offers a chance to see artwork that feels both deeply connected to the earth and mysteriously otherworldly. This collection uses slate as its canvas, creating pieces that invite you to slow down and explore the textures, colors, and hidden details that come alive in unexpected ways. The Unique Medium of Slate Most art is created on paper, canvas, or wood, but the Stone Awaken

Valentine’s Day often brings to mind romantic love, but its true spirit embraces all forms of love—connection, support, encouragement, and showing up for one another. Today, this post honors the vibrant Stars and Moon Art and Poetry community. This space thrives because of your kindness, your presence, and your belief in the power of accessible, expressive art. This is a thank you to every supporter, follower, collaborator, and believer who has helped shape this creative fami

One of the most common—and most difficult—questions artists face is: “How do I price my work?” Truth is, I am still figuring it out. If you’ve ever stared at a finished piece feeling proud of it… and then immediately panicked about what number to attach to it, you’re not alone. Pricing art isn’t just math—it’s emotion, experience, confidence, and community all tangled together. Pricing Can Be a Real Struggle For many artists, pricing feels deeply personal. Your work holds tim

Writer’s block can feel like a wall that stops creativity in its tracks. For me, it hit hard when life got busy and chaotic, and I found myself unable to write poetry or songs for years. Recently, I decided to revisit the poems I wrote over time, hoping to spark the inspiration I once had. This journey back through my own words has been both healing and motivating. As Valentine’s Day approaches, I want to share one poem each week—either from my past or something new—to celebr

Networking can feel intimidating. Putting yourself out there, reaching out to new people, and asking for opportunities often triggers anxiety. Many hesitate because they fear rejection or worry about being turned down. Yet, if you never try, you miss the chance to discover what could have been. This post explores how shifting your mindset about networking can open doors to meaningful partnerships and rewarding experiences. Community hall prepared for a local event Changing Yo

Art workshops often bring more than just creative skills—they build community, inspire generosity, and open doors for many to explore their talents. After hosting my second pay what you can event, the Snowy Day Watercolor workshop, I realized the potential of this model to make art accessible and welcoming. This experience sparked the idea to create a whole series of watercolor workshops based on the same flexible payment approach. If you’re curious about how this works and

Marketing has always been a challenge for me. Over the past year, I’ve made progress, but I know there’s still a lot to improve. This year, I want to focus on practical steps that will help me reach more people and build stronger connections with my audience. Here’s my plan for improving my marketing in 2026. Making Social Media Posts That Catch Attention Social media is where many people spend their time, so I need to get better at creating posts that stand out. I want to fo

Looking back on the past year, it’s clear that growth often comes wrapped in unexpected changes and new experiences. This year brought a mix of firsts, transitions, and exciting plans that have shaped both personal life and artistic journey. From debuting at art shows to embracing new work rhythms, the past twelve months have been a powerful reminder of how much can change when you stay open to opportunity and connection. Embracing New Artistic Opportunities One of the highli

Everyone deserves a safe space where they can be themselves, express their feelings, and connect with others. Art has a unique way of opening doors to these experiences. That is why Pay What You Can paint nights were created: to invite people from all walks of life into a welcoming, creative environment without financial barriers. What Makes Pay What You Can Paint Nights Special These events are designed with accessibility in mind. With a minimum contribution of just $3, anyo

What to Expect at the Shows Each show is carefully curated to showcase a diverse range of artworks, from vibrant paintings to intricate mixed media pieces. You will find a variety of styles and themes that reflect different stages of my artistic evolution. These events are designed not only to display art but also to create an interactive experience where visitors can ask questions, share thoughts, and connect with the art on a deeper level. At the shows, you can: View origin

Creating accessible art events that welcome everyone, regardless of their financial situation, is a challenge many communities face. That’s why I’m excited to share that we have updated our website to include a dedicated sponsorship section. This new feature allows you to support our Pay What You Can events at different levels while enjoying exclusive rewards. Whether you are an artist, a creative, a traveler, or simply an art enthusiast, your sponsorship can make a real dif

Pay What You Can events create opportunities for people to enjoy art, culture, and community activities regardless of their financial situation. These events rely heavily on the generosity of donors and sponsors to keep running and accessible to everyone. If you want to make a difference and support these inclusive experiences, donating or becoming a sponsor is a meaningful way to help. Here’s how you can contribute, what your donation supports, and the benefits you receive a

When I first started taking commissions for my artwork, I quickly realized that packaging was more than just a way to protect the piece during shipping. It was an opportunity to create a memorable experience for my customers while keeping costs low and reducing waste. That’s when I began to repurpose cardboard boxes to create custom packaging tailored to each piece. This approach not only cuts down on expenses but also supports recycling efforts, making it a win-win for arti