In the fast-paced world of professional development, harnessing creativity can be a game-changer for career growth and personal fulfillment. In this blog post, we'll explore how embracing creativity can propel the careers of professionals in small to midsize cities, unlocking new opportunities for growth and personal development.

Creativity as a Professional Asset:

Highlight the value of creativity in the workplace, emphasizing its role in problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability. Explore how professionals can leverage their creative skills to stand out in their fields, contributing to the success of their organizations and personal career growth.

Integrating Creativity into Professional Life:

Provide practical tips on how professionals can infuse creativity into their daily routines. From incorporating creative thinking in problem-solving to pursuing artistic hobbies outside of work, discover ways to nurture and express creativity in both personal and professional spheres.

Creative Networking and Collaboration:

Explore the benefits of networking with fellow creative professionals. Showcase success stories of individuals who have expanded their professional circles and found exciting opportunities through collaborations with artists, designers, and other creative minds in their communities.

Creativity is not only a personal pursuit but also a valuable professional asset. By embracing creativity in both personal and work life, professionals in small to midsize cities can open doors to new possibilities, fostering career growth and personal development.

“Creative Entrepreneurship: Turning Passion into Profit" is designed for those looking to transition from a mid-level career to launching their own innovative business. It contains prompts for the reader to start to flesh out a few broad ideas, then drill down into more detailas they are able to infuse more creativity into the process.

Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool for mental wellness, offering a creative outlet for emotions and fostering a sense of accomplishment. In Augusta, GA, residents have access to a variety of resources to explore and enhance their mental well-being through artistic expression.

One notable organization is Bluff Augusta, which offers an art therapy program aimed at promoting mental wellness. Through guided sessions, participants can explore their emotions, reduce stress, and improve their mental health in a supportive environment.

Additionally, Leslie Hamrick, a local art therapist, provides expert services to help individuals connect with their creativity and foster mental wellness. Her personalized sessions focus on using art as a means of self-expression and emotional healing.

By embracing the arts, Augustans can unlock new avenues for personal growth and emotional resilience. Whether through painting, music, or dance, the city's vibrant arts scene offers numerous ways to nurture the mind and soul.

Living in Birmingham, AL, you're part of a vibrant, historic city brimming with opportunities for civic engagement. As a college student, you have the unique chance to shape your community through art, culture, and innovative projects. Here’s how you can start making a difference today:

Embrace Local Art

Birmingham’s art scene is a rich tapestry of creativity, offering countless ways to get involved. Visit local galleries, attend art shows, or volunteer at art festivals. Engage with local artists and collaborate on community murals or public art projects. Your participation not only beautifies the city but also fosters a sense of pride and unity.

Celebrate Culture

Dive into Birmingham's diverse cultural heritage. Participate in cultural festivals, explore the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, or join local cultural clubs. These experiences deepen your understanding of the city’s history and contemporary challenges, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to its cultural landscape.

Start Community Projects

Identify issues you’re passionate about and initiate projects to address them. Whether it’s organizing neighborhood clean-ups, starting a community garden, or launching a local recycling initiative, your efforts can lead to significant positive changes. Collaborate with local organizations and fellow students to maximize your impact.

Connect and Volunteer

Volunteer with local non-profits or community groups. From mentoring youth to helping at food banks, your time and skills can greatly benefit Birmingham. Plus, volunteering connects you with like-minded individuals dedicated to making a difference.

By engaging with Birmingham through art, culture, and community projects, you not only enrich your college experience but also contribute to the growth and vitality of the city. Love your city, and let your actions reflect that passion!

In the dynamic landscape of the professional world, the ability to think creatively is a valuable asset that can drive innovation and problem-solving. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of creativity in the workplace and spotlight creative approaches that professionals in small to midsize cities can incorporate to enhance their professional lives.

Fostering a Creative Culture:

Creating a workplace that fosters creativity involves cultivating an environment where employees feel encouraged to express their ideas and think outside the box. Explore strategies such as flexible workspaces, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities that inspire a culture of innovation.

Arts Integration:

Integrating arts into the workplace can stimulate creativity and fresh perspectives. Consider incorporating visual art, sculptures, or murals in office spaces. Additionally, organizing art-related events, such as exhibitions or workshops, can provide employees with opportunities to engage in creative activities outside their usual work routines.

Design Thinking for Problem-Solving:

Highlight the principles of design thinking as a creative problem-solving approach. Encourage professionals to adopt this method, which involves empathy, ideation, and prototyping, to address challenges in their respective fields. Emphasize the power of collaboration and diverse perspectives in finding innovative solutions.

As professionals, embracing creativity in the workplace not only enhances problem-solving but also fosters a more dynamic and engaging work environment. By incorporating creative approaches, professionals in small to midsize cities can elevate their work and contribute to the growth and innovation of their organizations.

A week or so ago, there was a news feature about AI & ChatGPT. It listed entertainment among the industries to be hardest hit (negatively impacted) by AI. So, of course, I asked my friendly neighborhood chatbot the question.

With its “response” in mind, I'm revisiting an e-book I summoned last year that addresses this very topic. Would love to hear your thoughts about it. “Summoned” because it was written with assistance from the chatbot as well.

Interestingly enough, the topics covered in the e-book (lyrics generation, social media management, music composition, tour planning, and career development are a bit different from the ones generated by the most recent prompt.

Admittedly, this is only the beginning. But these broad topics allow the reader to dig a little deeper and begin to develop more probing questions, which result in more targeted responses.

Welcome to the dawn of a new year, a perfect time for professionals in small to midsize cities to embark on a journey of personal growth and development. In this blog post, we'll explore strategies to rejuvenate your personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of creative pursuits and civic engagement. Let's make 2024 a year of self-discovery and positive impact!

Unlocking Personal Growth through Creativity

As busy professionals, it's easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life. However, the new year provides an excellent opportunity to explore creative hobbies that not only bring joy but also contribute to personal growth. Whether it's painting, writing, or learning a musical instrument, incorporating creativity into your routine can enhance problem-solving skills, boost cognitive abilities, and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Civic Engagement for a Stronger Community

Being an active participant in your community is not only personally fulfilling but also contributes to the overall growth of your city. Explore local civic engagement opportunities, such as joining community boards, participating in town hall meetings, or supporting local initiatives. Your involvement can lead to positive changes, and the collaborative spirit can create a more vibrant and connected community.

Building Bridges Through Networking Events

In addition to personal growth and community engagement, networking plays a crucial role in professional development. Attend local networking events that bring together like-minded individuals. These events provide a platform to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and discover potential collaborations that can propel both your personal and professional endeavors.

As we step into the new year, let's commit to personal growth, creativity, and civic engagement. By embracing these principles, we not only enhance our individual lives but also contribute to the prosperity and unity of our small to midsize cities. Here's to a year of self-discovery, community building, and endless possibilities!

Augusta’s Public Art Advisory Panel Welcomes Three New Members

Augusta, GA – The Greater Augusta Arts Council is pleased to announce three new voting members have been added to Augusta’s Public Art Advisory Panel.

The Greater Augusta Arts Council was designated as the Public Art Agency for Augusta-Richmond County in November 2016.  The City adopted a public art policy that designates that a Public Art Advisory Panel will review any public art projects that intersect with City regulation or funding.

Panel review of proposals are guided by ex officio and ad hoc members from City leadership and decisions are made by seven Richmond County residents, who volunteer to serve for three-year terms. Panel members are chosen from those who volunteer or are nominated by others. Proposed members are selected after a review of professional resumes, statements of interest in guiding public art, and with a conscious effort to maintain a diversity of panel member demographics by Commission District representation, Race, and Gender. New panel members are:

Laura Evans from District 1, a Communications Strategist at Augusta University College of Nursing. Laura said she "grew up surrounded with art since my mother is an artist. I love art and would like to be a part of seeing Augusta public art offerings grow."

Derron Neely from District 1, who attended Tuskegee University, graduated from A.R. Johnson High School and owns Studio Neighborhood Bar.

Brodrick Mungo from District 7, who served six years in the US Army and currently is the Technical Director/Chief Engineer at MAG Aerospace. Brodrick volunteers in the community with a focus on creative dance and theatre and said, “I would like to assist in bringing Augusta Art scene forward through out of the box thinking and creativity … Augusta is now my home and I want to invest in it."

Other panel members currently serving include Kenneth Benson, Graphic Designer at Augusta Sportswear Brands; Cameron Bentley, Distance Education Director at Augusta Technical College; Kigwana Cherry, Musician, CEO of Pop Up Augusta and Senior Quality Control Manager at Gilbane, Inc.; and Sa Jules, Author, Poet, Artist, and Human Resources Manager, AR/AP Specialist at Augusta Transportation, Inc. Dennis Skelley serves as the Chairman of the PAAP, Leon Maben as Vice-Chair, and Pax Bobrow as staff.

Projects that the Public Art Advisory Panel have provided guidance on include The James Brown Mural on JB Blvd, the Augusta Sculpture Trail, the new sculpture being installed in Twiggs Circle this spring, Art the Box installations, Golden Blocks murals, and Sidewalk murals by Storm Drains.

Find out more about the Greater Augusta Arts Council’s public art projects at www.AugustaArts.com