Building a Creative Community: The Journey of Founding and Growing an Art Collective

When I look back on the journey of creating Art Collective International, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come in this short time. What began as a shared vision among a few passionate artist friends and has grown into a thriving collective of creative minds. Building an art collective isn’t just about gathering artists under one roof; it’s about creating a space where ideas, cultures, and styles can converge to foster community and growth. Here’s how we made it happen and why it has transformed our work and lives.

Why We Started Art Collective International

The idea of forming an art collective emerged from a simple desire: we wanted a community where artists could come together, share resources, and support each other’s growth. Many of us had been working independently, and while that allowed for creative freedom, it also felt isolating at times. There’s something powerful about working with others who understand the artist’s journey—the highs, the challenges, and the endless hours of experimentation.

We envisioned a space where artists of all kinds—painters, ceramicists, stained glass artists, designers, quilters, jewelry makers—could collaborate. Our goal was to create a collective that offered more than just studio space. We wanted to provide educational resources, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on projects that reach beyond individual expression.

Building the Collective: Laying the Foundation

Forming an art collective is a rewarding but complex process. The first step was to find like-minded artists who shared the vision and commitment to building something sustainable. The founding members—Lee Hansheng Studios, Storm Garden Studio, Chris Foster Design, and Tidy Tea Witch—all brought different skills and mediums to the table, from digital and physical paintings to ceramics, metalwork, fiber arts, and jewelry. This variety was essential because it gave the collective a unique, multi-disciplinary character from the start.

Once we had the team in place, we worked on defining our mission and goals. We wanted to ensure that each artist’s individuality could shine while also contributing to a shared vision. Art Collective International was founded on three main principles:

1. Creative Freedom: Each artist should feel empowered to explore their unique voice and medium.
2. Community Engagement: Our work should have a positive impact, both within our artist community and with the public.
3. Collaborative Growth: We wanted to create opportunities for skill-sharing, mentorship, and joint projects that inspire each member to grow.

The Practical Side: Setting Up a Studio and Resources

The next step was securing a shared space. We wanted a central location that could serve as a studio and meeting space. This process involved budgeting, sourcing materials, and setting up workstations tailored to each artist’s medium—whether it was an easel for painters, tables for ceramics, or storage for digital equipment.

We also began pooling resources, such as specialty tools and shared materials. By combining resources, we were able to afford better-quality equipment than any of us could have independently. We quickly realized that this communal approach allowed us to focus more on creation and less on logistics—a huge benefit of working within a collective.

Challenges We’ve Faced Along the Way

No collective is without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was balancing everyone’s schedules and needs. Artists often work on different timelines, and accommodating everyone’s space and time requires a lot of communication and flexibility. We learned early on that clear guidelines and a shared calendar was essential to ensure fair use of resources and studio space.

Another challenge was finding a balance between individuality and the collective vision. Each of us has a unique style, and while this diversity is a strength, it also means we need to respect each other’s creative boundaries. We’ve had open discussions about maintaining our unique voices while contributing to the collective’s projects. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they’ve helped us develop mutual respect and a sense of unity.

Engaging the Community: Why Our Collective Matters

One of the most fulfilling aspects of our collective has been our ability to engage with the community. Art isn’t just about creation; it’s also about connection. We hold regular pop-ups, open studios, and workshops that invite the public to experience art in a hands-on way. These events have allowed us to connect with people from all walks of life, sharing not just our art but the joy of creating.

Our diverse backgrounds also allow us to showcase a blend of Asian and Western influences, offering the community a unique cultural perspective. As a Taiwanese American artist, I feel that our collective provides a platform to bridge cultural gaps, allowing us to share and celebrate the richness of our heritage. Through our work, we hope to inspire others to explore art as a means of cultural expression and understanding.

Reflecting on the Journey

Creating an art collective is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done as an artist. Art Collective International has given me a place where I belong—a space that celebrates each artist’s unique vision while fostering collaboration and growth. It’s been inspiring to see how much we can achieve when we come together, pooling our resources, skills, and creativity.

For anyone considering starting a collective, I’d encourage you to go for it. While it requires commitment and planning, the rewards are immense. You’ll gain a community that supports and challenges you, and you’ll have the opportunity to create work that resonates with both you and those around you.

In Art Collective International, we’ve built more than just a studio—we’ve built a creative family, a community that reminds us daily of the power of art to connect, inspire, and uplift.

Final Thoughts

Art collectives aren’t just about art; they’re about people, passion, and the possibility of building something meaningful together. In a world that often feels fragmented, an art collective offers a sense of unity and purpose. And I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this journey.

~Hansheng Lee