The Writing Leap Salon
The Art & Literary Salon sprung from my mind about five years ago. I had bought my first house and wanted to anoint it with creative energy. Have you ever been to the Frick Museum in New York and wandered the old mansion and imagined…what if art adorned my walls like this? Or sat on the lawn amidst a sculpture garden and looked out on the water at the Louisiana Museum outside Copenhagen? Art and sculpture that evoke emotion fuel my creativity. And while I do have art on my walls from artists my parents collected (O the privilege!), from travels around the world, from friends and neighbors alike.
But I digress. I gave my walls to two artists and then set up the backyard with candles and blankets for the readings. Two actor/writers performed a scene. It was a hit! The artists and writers came, and I invited people who were creative and authentic. No small talk—just excited conversation about art and writing. It was such a positive space to share work. Some of it was in process, most of it was finished. I’ve done it every year since—sometimes joining it with a fundraiser for Jacaranda School for Orphans —the school in Malawi where I teach in the summer.
Now — in a different home — this art and literary salon — held at my home in the vibrant Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles—celebrates art in progress and inspires community. So many writers and artists work in isolation—and those of us working in long form—become especially isolated. This can affect productivity.
So all of us emerging and working artists and writers need community to fuel inspiration and identity.
The Writing Leap Salon | Featured Artists
