What would a community of and for creatives look like? To know, just look toward Carmel-based Create What You Crave, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that amplifies the voice of local creatives and offers space for connection and inspiration.
"We produce events and media with the intention to build a community for creatives and advocate for the arts," explains Anne O'Brien, founding executive director. "We support a thriving, connected community where creatives of all disciplines feel seen, supported and inspired. By fostering collaboration, storytelling and advocacy, we aim to make creativity and the arts an integral part of everyday life, shaping a more vibrant and expressive culture in Carmel and beyond."
With Carmel’s Arts & Design District as a hub for creativity, the group gathers at a different location in the district each month to socialize, connect and celebrate Carmel’s creative heartbeat. The free gatherings give galleries, creatives and business managers a chance to share their specials, while hosting interactive challenges with prizes and special activities each month.
Join this group for their Candy Crawl special event on Feb. 14 as their 'Second Saturday Social.' It will be held from 4–5:30 p.m. at Inner Circle Gallery plus the Carmel Arts & Design District.
"This month’s main event takes place where creativity and confections collide, featuring a playful, art-filled Candy Crawl through Carmel’s Arts & Design District," explains Anne.
She says participants will enjoy live painting by self-taught artist Cheryl Eugenia, who will bring her work to life in real time while guests mingle, sip and snack. Cheryl earned a bachelor's degree in art history from Portland State University. As an artist, Cheryl states she's a "painter of things in my imagination and also in the world" since she was a young child. She says her preferred medium is oils. Her inspiration for painting is "to see a reality that doesn't exist in the real world."
Throughout the Feb. 14 evening, attendees may join guided gallery tours every 30 minutes, each featuring a different sweet candy treat as they explore art and connect with fellow creatives. The Candy Crawl also extends beyond the gallery with local business partners via participating art galleries, retail shops and restaurants throughout the district, Anne adds.
"This event is designed to be a fun, approachable way to show how visual art brings people together. By experiencing live art, moving through creative spaces and sharing conversation, artists can naturally talk about their process and artistic concepts with fellow artists and art lovers alike. It’s an event designed to connect artists with the community, while creating space for meaningful dialogue, shared inspiration and a deeper appreciation of visual arts in everyday life," explains Anne.
"Whether you're here for the art, the treats or the community, the Candy Crawl will be a fun way to celebrate creativity, support local artists and makers and experience Carmel’s vibrant creative scene, one sweet stop at a time."
While the Feb. 14 event is free, donations are encouraged, Anne says. Any funds raised from ticketing will go to cover the costs of the event and allow the group to produce future events to grow community offerings.
To learn more about this community nonprofit, visit CreateWhatYouCrave.org.