College is Not the Only Place to Learn
Graduating from college has left me in a little bit of a lurch. I have been trained to learn and refine my skills in group settings, but seemingly after college those spaces had disappeared. I no longer have multiple classes a day to keep me accountable for my learning or to get feedback from.
It was almost enough to make me think that my learning was completely over.
Then, I saw an ad on Instagram for an online queer erotics writing class. It caught my eye and I took a chance on it. A 5 week class that was full of readings, discussions and workshops. It was exactly what I was used to in a college setting. It was what I needed to start making things again.
(Sidenote, check out The Warman School, it is run by a fantastic lesbian poet who teaches a ton of really lovely workshop focused classes.)
A little over a year later and I seem to have forgotten this hard won lesson. College is not the only place to learn. As I was revisiting my experience in this class and what it has done for me, I started paying attention to seeing where I could find workshops, classes, and general creative opportunities.
Here is what I found:
Local Libraries
A reliable place to find classes and speakers! Most events tend to be free with a library card, which is why it’s the first resource I’m highlighting. Check out your local libraries website and find their calendar, you’ll likely be shocked at all you can find there.
At the Ypsilanti library that I call home, I have seen knitting classes, crocheting classes, a zine club, flower pressing, photography and so much more!
Cafes
This one was a little bit surprising to me. I highly recommend looking up cafes in your area and following them on Instagram. I’ve seen them promote open mic nights and writers workshops. Cafes will often allow artists and writers into their spaces to host events to bring more people in.
Light Posts / Shop Windows
Depending on how populated your area is, people may be be posting flyers for events on light posts and in shop windows. These are pretty easy to miss, so the next time you’re walking around your downtown area slow down. I have found art markets, music shows and open mics this way. Remember, to grow your creativity you have to feed it. Attending these one off events and showcases are a fantastic way to get to know artists in your area and find inspiration for your own work.
Follow Facilitators Online
During every class you take, follow the person running it on the social media they promote. Facilitators will often post events they are hosting, so you’ll be able to passively find future classes on your timeline.
Skill Swaps
If after all of these ideas you’re still struggling to find classes and workshops, reach out to the people you know! See if someone has a skill you’d like to learn, and offer up to teach them what you know. Trade guitar lessons for photography lessons. Learning doesn’t have to be formal, and it can be a great reason to dig in deeper with folks you already know.
Before it gets too chilly out, I challenge you to find one learning opportunity in your area! It can be a one off event, an ongoing class, or a commitment you make to a friend to support each other. To follow my own advice, I’ve joined ypsiwrites.com for a workshop series that will take place once a month for four months.
What can you learn from the people around you?
