An artist date at the concert hall

This week, I started The Artist’s Way again. I’ve gone through Julia Cameron’s program before, but lately, I’ve felt creatively stuck. So, I turned to her wisdom once more, committing to morning pages and artist dates.

An artist date is a solo adventure - something playful, something that feeds your creative spirit. It doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant; it just has to spark creativity and provide a little dose of inspiration. This week, my artist date took me to Naperville’s North Central College, to Wentz Concert Hall, where local music students performed a recital.

I had wanted to visit this concert hall for a long time, and finally, the opportunity presented itself. It had been years since I attended a classical music concert, but as soon as the first notes of the clarinet filled the space, I felt something shift in me, reminding me of my deep connection to music. I appreciated the choice of repertoire, which leaned toward playful melodies rather than serious tones.

The setting was intimate - the hall was filled primarily with students, teachers, and their loved ones. I found myself reflecting on what it means to pursue a dream, to believe in something so deeply that you dedicate years of your life to perfecting it. As someone wrestling with creative blocks, seeing these young artists' dedication to their craft felt like something I needed to witness.

While I enjoyed every performance, my favorites were actually the singers, who used their voices as instruments rather than playing musical instruments. One standout was a theatrical soprano piece by Caroline Derango. She didn’t just sing - she performed, embodying the music with charm and expressive presence. I couldn’t stop smiling during her piece. Long after she left the stage, I remained enchanted by her ability to bring music to life, not just with her voice but with her entire being.

This artist date was a powerful reminder of why The Artist’s Way encourages us to seek experiences beyond our usual creative practice. Art isn’t created in a vacuum. We need to immerse ourselves in it, in all its forms, to replenish our creative wells and have something meaningful to give back.

I left the concert hall feeling inspired. Another unexpected joy was simply dressing up for the occasion. Since becoming a dog parent almost a month ago, my wardrobe has been mostly practical and comfortable - ready for dog adventures. But that evening, slipping into something a little more refined allowed me to step out of my routine in more ways than one.