For anyone who has ever found a home in a local art group, you’ll know it’s a special thing. It’s a space for shared inspiration, gentle critique, and the simple, powerful joy of being with people who ‘get it’. As the founder and organiser of my own group, Ginger Cactus Art (https://gingercactusart.com), I’ve seen first-hand how these communities flourish on a magic mixture of passion and, quite simply, a little bit of help.

Many groups, including mine, often rely on one or two people to shoulder the entire load – from organising exhibitions and managing the website to sending out emails and newsletters as well as setting up exhibition spaces and doing the advertising. It’s a labour of love, but any artist-leader will tell you: it can sometimes feel like you’re herding a beautifully creative, but wonderfully distracted, group of cats!

So today, I want to speak directly to those of you in a group who might be hesitant to put your hand up. Taking on a small role isn’t just about easing the burden on the organiser (though we will be eternally grateful!). It’s a powerful step in your own artistic journey.

Why Saying “Yes” is a Gift to Your Own Art

You Become a Connector: Taking charge of the social media for a month or organising a single ‘paint-out’ session instantly deepens your connection to the group. You’re not just a participant; you’re a weaver of the community fabric. The relationships you build in this role become some of your most valuable creative assets.

You Develop Invaluable Skills: The art world doesn’t run on paint alone. By dipping a toe into the organisational side, you gain practical, real-world experience. Writing a blurb for an exhibition? That’s artist statement practice. Hanging the show? That’s curatorial training. These are the skills that elevate a hobbyist to a professional artist.

You Shape the Community You Want to See: Do you wish there were more watercolour workshops? Or more critique sessions? By stepping into a role, you gain a voice in the group’s direction. You can help steer the ship towards the activities and support you and others truly crave. A group is at its best when it reflects the diverse talents and desires of all its members.

How to Step Up (Without Burning Out)

The goal is not to replace one overwhelmed person with another. It’s about shared ownership. Here’s how to start:

Start Small: You don’t need to become the new president. Offer to manage the group’s Instagram for one upcoming exhibition. Volunteer to be the point of contact for new members for a quarter. Small, defined tasks are the perfect beginning.

Play to Your Strengths: Are you organised? Offer to help with the membership list. A great photographer? Volunteer to take installation shots at the next show. Love a good party? Maybe arrange the end-of-year social. Your unique skills are exactly what your group needs.

Just Ask: As a group leader, I can promise you that the single most beautiful sentence a member can utter is: “How can I help?” It’s a game-changer.

When responsibility is shared, the group becomes more resilient, more dynamic, and far more reflective of the wonderful collective talent within it. And for you, the rewards extend far beyond the meeting room – you’ll grow in confidence, skill, and connection, fuelling your studio practice in ways you never expected.

So, the next time an opportunity arises in your art group, consider it. It might just be the next best stroke you make for your art.

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