User talk:ARTSPAGE2014

A.R.T.S. Anonymous is a self-help, non-profit fellowship of artists who share a common desire to express their creativity.

(link) A.R.T.S. stands for Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps and it is based on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (link). An artist, as defined in this context, is anyone with a creative vision: writers, performers, visual artists, musicians, etc. The recovery message of Alcoholics Anonymous is to abstain from alcohol by “not picking up” alcoholic drinks. For the members of A.R.T.S., recovery begins when they “pick up” their art and express their creativity.

Artists are born with their gifts. They can chose to not pick up their creativity but their gifts will never go away. They will always be artists, even if they do not create. Being “powerless over your creativity” is a fact. It is also joyous and life-affirming. Being an artist is a soul need. It is in our DNA and defines who we really are. To be a blocked artist with dreams that are not being realized is to be spiritually deprived, impoverished, and profoundly unhappy. Working the 12 Steps of A.R.T.S. can overcome our fears and lead to the life we were born to live.

Many A.R.T.S. members were not nurtured as children. They grew up in families where there were severe invalidation and repeating traumas. Overt and subtle cruelty formed a lifelong belief that the world is not safe and that being visible is to invite criticism and failure. They are caught in a litany of lies: too old, not trained, not gifted enough, etc. These powerful beliefs cannot be talked away. What’s needed is a transformation from beliefs based on fears to a belief system based on Faith and Trust that powers us forward to be visible with our art. Then it becomes possible to have a life devoted to our unique gifts and the willingness to have our work visible to the world. To become the artist we were designed and destined to be is the mission of A.R.T.S. Anonymous. (A.R.T.S. Anonymous link). History

A.R.T.S. began in New York City in 1984 when Abigail B. realized that artists had their own set of unmanageable issues. It began in her apartment with 8 invited artists. The following week 15 people came. By the third week there were people lined up side by side in her two hallways. The A.R.T.S. fellowship is now worldwide. There are face-to-face meetings and/or daily phone meetings in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, England, France, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Italy. All artists are welcome: visual artists, musicians, actors, dancers, writers, etc.

TWELVE STEPS Steps One through Four in A.R.T.S. address the past. Step Five closes the door to the past. Beginning with Step Six a new life starts to unfold. With the Grace and Protection of a Higher Power, actions are taken to build a lifestyle that supports our gifts. Dreams long deferred now come true. What once seemed impossible becomes possible. Yesterday we said "no.” Today we are saying "yes." As in all Twelve Step programs, recovery in A.R.T.S. is based on spiritual growth.

LITERATURE The A.R.T.S. literature is an effective tool that supports us in our recovery process. There are many pamphlets and booklets as well as The 12 Step Essays of A.R.T.S. Anonymous and a Workbook for each Step. All can be ordered on-line. A.R.T.S. ANNUAL CONVENTION The A.R.T.S. Convention is a week-end event held every year in the beautiful and picturesque Victorian seaside community of Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The Convention is a mecca for A.R.T.S. members and a wonderful place for newcomers to get to know and love our program. On Friday night we begin the festivities with a keynote speaker who has a strong recovery story. Keynote speakers are living their dream and they share their experience, strength and hope with us. On Saturday there are meetings and workshops throughout the day—with a special concentration on the A.R.T.S. 12 Steps. We top off the day with a spectacular evening event that celebrates the diverse and varied talents of our members. We call this our ARTShare night. 35 members take five minutes each to present or perform their art on stage. On Sunday everyone comes together to reflect on all they have experienced and to express their gratitude for A.R.T.S. Anonymous. It is a wonderful weekend of fun, fellowship, and creative recovery. The 2015 Convention will be April 24, 25, and 26. On-line registration for the 2015 Convention will begin in February.