Grand Area Creative Alliance (GACA) plans Gathering of Creators Dec. 7

Renowned local photographer R.C. Livesay was one of several speakers at the 2022 Gathering of Creators sponsored by the Grand Area Creative Alliance (GACA). This year’s Gathering will be held on Thursday, December 7, at the Grove Public Schools Performing Arts Center lobby. Purpose of the meeting is for creative individuals to network and share plans for their efforts in 2024. All creative individuals are invited to attend.

Area artists and other types of creators are invited to a gathering sponsored by the Grand Area Creative Alliance (GACA) on Thursday, December 7, at the Grove Public Schools Performing Arts Center lobby.  Purpose of the meeting is for creative individuals to network and share plans for their efforts in 2024.

            Set for 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., the event is open to “all creative people and those who appreciate creativity and cultural experiences,” said Judi Barber, GACA chair.

In this fast-paced “Gathering of Creators,” individuals are invited to take a few minutes to share their plans for creative events and activities in 2024.  For example, Barber said, artists might describe upcoming exhibitions or musicians might talk about scheduled performances.  Information about community events, such as the city’s block parties or Lendonwood Gardens’ Art in the Garden, could be shared, as well as Har-Ber Village’s wide range of creative activities, among many others.

The event will not only showcase the breadth and depth of creativity in the Grand Lake community, Barber said, but it could help with planning around major events and identifying opportunities for collaboration. 

The Gathering of Creators is just one way that GACA works to nurture a creative community, she said.  The group has taken a leadership role in enhancing Grove’s expanded cultural offerings, supporting a community-wide calendar of events, launching a Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information sharing, and providing a forum for cross-cultural opportunities.

The Alliance takes a broad view of “creativity,” ranging from art to theater, photography, gardening, crafts, music, writing, film, education, technology, science and more.  The organization’s members envision a “thriving community that inspires creativity, enriches education and attracts visitors for cultural experiences,” Barber said.

GACA intends to serve as a resource for creators and cultural entrepreneurs, she said, helping to advance the appeal of the Grand Lake area as a premier destination.  For example, if individuals or organizations are planning an event that embraces creativity, the Alliance will help publicize and highlight the events at no charge.

For more information on GACA or the Gathering of Creators, contact Judi Barber at creativealliance743@gmail.com or 918-791-5479, or visit the Grand Area Creative Alliance’s Facebook page.