“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ashe
The beginning of each year always sees an abundance of resolutions: lose weight, get our finances in order, start a new hobby. Everyone has something they want to do in their lives, not just to improve but to enjoy themselves. But how to get from point A to point B?
Creativity.
International Creativity Month is commemorated every January and was created by Randall Munson, former IBM executive and motivational speaker. It’s a time to celebrate visionaries, as well as inspire yourself, and celebrate your own creativity.
Books
Wondering where to find a boost for your next creative venture? Why not start with these books for inspiration:
- Spark: How Genius Ignites, From Child Prodigies to Late Bloomers by Claudia Kalb
- Courageous Creativity: Advice and Encouragement for the Creative Life by Sara Zarr
- Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese
- Art Matters: Because Your Imagination Can Change the World by Neil Gaiman
- Embrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity by Felicia Day
Databases
If online learning is your thing, check out these databases to spark your creative juices (an EVPL library card may be required):
- ArtistWorks: ArtistWorks provides players with world-class instruction from Grammy Award-winning music professionals. ArtistWorks for Libraries offers users a guided path of video lessons containing everything they need to reach their musical goals. All levels of players are welcome!
- Universal Class: An online learning platform that allows you to take courses at your own pace. while you interact with a live instructor via email. Universal Class offers more than 500 online non-college credit Continuing Education courses.
- CreativeBug: Thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
- Pronunciator: A fun and free way to learn any of 163 languages with Personalized Courses, movies, music, and more.
- Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center: Offers detailed “how-to” instructions and creative ideas to meet the interests of virtually every hobby enthusiast.
- Gale Courses: Offers a wide range of 6-week interactive courses that you can take entirely online, including business, technology-related, healthcare, and personal development classes.
Enjoy International Creativity Month, and have a great 2022!
