“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

I recently read The Enterprising Actor’s post about making Artist Dates to stay inspired. I love this idea, and it was cool to read about some of her recent Artist Dates and ways she stays inspired. Although I have never read The Artist’s Way- (the book that made the idea most popular), I love the idea of an Artist Date to center myself and re-hydrate my sometimes parched creative soul. This got me thinking about some of the Artist Dates I have made in the past!

Bridge Walking

One of my favorite Artist Dates is taking a long walk, especially across one of New York’s many pedestrian accessible bridges. So far, I have walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, George Washington Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Pulaski Bridge, Queensboro Bridge, Roosevelt Island Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge. I love the feeling of taking an adventure without ever having to go very far. Plus it’s good exercise, it gives me time to think and clear my mind, it gets the endorphins flowing, and I love taking pictures along my journey. Here are some of my favorite photos from past bridge walks.

(Click on the photo for a larger view!)

This is the view at night from the Manhattan Bridge. This is probably one of my favorite photos from my bridge walks so far. The view was breathtaking, and it’s times like those that really make me feel lucky to live in this awesome city!

I have walked across the Queensboro Bridge a couple of times now, and one thing I love about this bridge is that you get an awesome view of the Roosevelt Island Tram! The bridge shows a great view of Queens, Roosevelt Island AND Manhattan as well- so it’s quite an interesting walk.

Even if you don’t enjoy walking across bridges, I highly recommend just taking a walk in the fresh air. It’s a great way to clear your mind and focus on what’s really important.

Museums

Another fun Artist Date I love is going to a museum! My favorite museum would probably have to be The Museum of Modern Art aka MOMA. Did you know that MOMA offers free admission EVERY Friday from 4-8pm? If you live in NY, this is definitely a great excuse to take advantage of this awesome museum. Who doesn’t love free admission!

Being an aspiring cartoonist, I was drawn to Yoshitomo Nara’s work the last time I visited the museum. I think my favorite was his piece entitled “My Little Sister”.

I will definitely be returning to MOMA again very soon for another Artist Date. I would also like to visit the Museum of the Moving Image. They have free admission on Fridays from 4-8pm as well. I think that would be a wonderfully inspiring field trip for any actor!

Tea With A Friend/Mentor

Even though Julia Cameron’s description of an Artist Date is described as a “solo expedition”, I do feel once in a while it’s nice to switch things up. I know someone who is a very good friend and mentor to me. She is also an actress and artist, working her way up the ladder. We like to meet around once a month (or more if our schedules will allow it) and pick each other’s brains. We usually discuss the different projects we are working on, our marketing strategies, any road blocks we have run into, and anything else we would like to discuss over a cup of tea. It’s a great way to re-analyze my goals.

These are just some of my favorite go-to Artist Dates. Sometimes it’s nice to be spontaneous as well!