Creative Critters
A space to give, receive and learn how to crit
What is a group crit?
A group of people supporting and sharing views with the artist(s). A Crit is dynamic, spontaneous and immediate, where everyone gets a chance to be the ‘artist’ and critter.
My relationship to group crits
As a Fine Arts student, I am well aware of group art crit sessions where we provide and receive art crits from our peers. Sometimes I find crits to be constructive, and other times destructive. While crits can be highly beneficial for artists, they are not readily available for people outside of the mainstream formal art education systems.
I became interested in investigating art crits and developing systems for critting within non-formal art communities.
While I was studying a counselling unit, I learned about active listening skills therapists use. Creative critters explores how to integrate active listening skills from therapy and counselling within art group crits.
About Creative Critters
Creative Critters is a community art program that allows artists to practice how to provide and receive crit. The crits allow artists to look at their ongoing and finished art projects from fresh perspectives. However, the ultimate goal of Creative Critters is to provide young artists with the crit skills to start their independent crit groups eventually.
I believe that there is no one right template for art group crit sessions. The structure of a crit should always respond to the existing dynamics and needs of a respective crit group.
Creative Critters will not provide a one-way solution but rather a framework to look at one's community and decide how to create a space that emphasizes listening with caring ears.
Creative Critters in SEVENTH Gallery 2023
Creative Critters in SEVENTH gallery was designed to centre community building, so that participants leave not just with knowledge and skills, but new friends and potential collaborators. Through an open call, a diverse range of creative practitioners were chosen to be a part of SEVENTH gallery's creative critters cohort.
Creative Critters in Connection Arts Space 2021-2022
Creative Critters is looking for more homes!
I am looking for communities interested in having me host regular Creative Critters for their members. The frequency and support exchange will be decided collaboratively with the community. If you are interested in collaborating to make Creative Critters available for your community, please contact me at tanto.jessica (@) gmail.com