September 22nd is a big day. It marks the shift from lounging in a beach chair to sitting up straight at a desk, from catching whiffs of sunscreen to enjoying pumpkin spice. In other words, September 22nd is the first day of Fall!
One of my favorite parts of Fall is the art associated with it. This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “Fall,” but for me, Fall is inextricably tied to the National Arts and Humanities Month of October. I remember drawing each day of October as a high school art student, when art enthusiasts across the country unite to create art every day of the month. October offers us room to slow down, take a deep breath of every-crisping air, and create.
So, starting today, we are launching our own Blackbird & Company twist on National Arts and Humanities Month. We’re calling it Autumn Artfest!
For the next six weeks (starting on September 28th and running through November 9th), we will shape an art chapbook full of Autumnal ideas. Download this free Print Shop template HERE to create a miniature chapbook with an envelope, titled “Six Breaths of Fall.” Althou
gh a chapbook is usually a little book of poetry, we’re using all kinds of mediums—because isn’t all art a kind of poetry?
Each Monday morning, we will post on the blog a prompt for you to ponder and respond to, along with one of our artist’s renditions as an example. Every prompt is a quote or homage to a published poem, painting, or musical piece about Fall. Embrace the Autumn spirit!
Feel free to vary artistic mediums each week. Here are some art forms to consider:
- Poetry
- Painting – watercolor, acrylic, etc.
- Drawing
- Microstories
- Embroidery
- Beadwork
- Music composition
Lastly, submit a picture of your favorite Autumn Artfest creations for a chance to win a featured post on the blog! We’d love to highlight your hard work and creativity. (Submission link coming soon!)
Here’s to Autumn Artfest!
~ Claire S.