How Artist Groups Foster Mutual Support and Growth Why I am a Roycroft Artisan

Artists often face unique challenges that can feel isolating, from creative blocks to managing the business side of their work. Yet, many find strength and success by joining groups where they support each other. These artist communities provide more than just friendship—they offer constructive criticism, moral encouragement, and practical help with running their creative businesses. In this post I relate my experience as a member of an informal group of artists in the Finger Lakes area of New York State and as a Juried Artist in The Roycroft Arts & Craftsmens Guild.

One of the most valuable benefits of artist groups is the opportunity to receive honest, thoughtful feedback. When artists share their work with peers, they gain new perspectives that help improve their craft.  Artist groups create a space where members feel comfortable sharing unfinished or experimental work. This safety encourages openness and honest critique without fear of harsh judgment.

My first experience interacting with other artists came early on in my career. I was adopted by a group of women artists living in the area surrounding Rochester, New York. These ladies were my mentors; many of them had twenty to thirty years of art show experience under their belts when I was a novice. We would get together once a month for lunch and everyone would bring a dish to pass. We nicknamed ourselves the Loud Lunch because we were all of strong conviction; it really did get loud. I received valuable feedback on my jury slides (yes, old 35mm slides) as well as my Linoleum block prints. We discussed everything from setting up a tent for a festival to filing taxes.

Not only did we share our views on Art, but we solved the world’s problems in our spare time. We supported each other through the difficult times of our lives.  I was privileged to be included in the group.

Later in life, I became part of a more formal group of artists, The Arts & Craftsmans Guild on the Roycroft Campus. I joined the guild in 2016. I have  juried  every three years to maintain my artist’s membership. The next time I successfully jury in I will become a lifetime member.

The jury process is valuable because it compels me to explain why I am creating and examine how my printmaking skills and my artistic process have evolved. The jury committee is very supportive and provides written feedback.

At our monthly meetings, artists present their work and talk about successes and challenges. We have parties and picnics as well. To learn more about the guild, click the link below.

https://www.artsandcraftsmenguild.com/

The Triangle Rose shopmark as a reliable symbol of exemplary craftsmanship rooted in the Arts & Crafts tradition. As a juried artist, I am entitled to use the guild logo on my artwork.  In my next blog, I will discuss the history of the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, New York.

Recently I was sorting some of my older work and I realized how far I had in my forty-five years as a professional printmaker.  I realized how important other artists are in fostering the growth in my work and my entrepreneurial skills.  Here are two of my Linoleum Block Prints. The one on the left is twelve years old, the one on the right is a recent linocut.

Because artists often work alone, we yearn to be part of a community.  No one can effectively work in a vacuum.

Throughout my career, belonging to an association of like minded artists helps to work through problems and stimulates growth as an entrepreneur and as an artist.