The Paris of Appalachia
So we just finished our mini-tour with Elsinore, but I wanted to backtrack a moment and give a little update on some of AC’s other activities. We continue to be hard at work on new tunes as well as re-vamping our stage set-up and costuming (photos to come!). The rest of the Fall looks packed with shows so there will be ample opportunities to refine/showcase all of these new developments.
In our off time, however, I was feeling a need to take greater part in the local art scene. So I thought to myself—I know a fair amount of fun, creative people. And they know even more fun, creative people. What if there was an opportunity for all of these awesome, like-minded people to meet for free and in a completely casual environment? Also, how could I make an event where I could bust out my multiple tea sets, love of finger food, and perhaps my taste for bourbon? The answer: A Pittsburgh Salon.
So a Salon I threw, at the tale end of August. I provided food, beverage, a table where people could leave promotional info or skill share items, and atmosphere, of course. The lovely guests were just to bring themselves and any additional guests they desired. We also had an optional item share as a “getting to know you” activity—bring one lightly loved item you no longer have use for and trade it for someone else’s lightly loved item, all while chatting and comparing funny origin stories.
I think for a first outing it was a mighty successful one. It was kept casual—no facilitated discussions on Pittsburgh art—but that didn’t seem to matter as that appeared to come up naturally in conversation all over the room. There were also lengthy discussions on astrology, the dynamics between people when working in a kitchen, and the thought process for picking tattoos.
I intend to put together more of these shindigs, which is part of the reason I am posting about this first attempt here. I think Pittsburgh’s art scene is awesome and I want to do what I can to create moments that act as catalyst, connecting people who would work well together or sparking conversation that challenges the listener to do more. Or to have simply a time set aside for people to recharge their creative batteries, which is how I felt afterward.
Next up in the blog world will be some recapping of the mini-tour and photos of our new stage additions. Until then, cheers to new adventures and new friends.
love, maura
