Monday:) McKinney Creative Community

“Create with the heart; build with the mind.” – Criss Jami

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McKinney Creative Community meets on the second Monday of each month over at The MillHouse on the east side of McKinney. The old refurbished warehouse has been revamped into a stunning artist coop and makers space. MCC has been meeting for many years and at many different locations throughout the years, but The MillHouse has to be, hands down, the most spacious and beautiful space that we have ever had the privilege to use.

The meeting is a potluck social of networking, and informational sharing of local creative minds. In other words, an excuse for creative people to meet, greet, share, and learn more about the arts. We have artists, writers, dancers, potters, musicians, etc. You name it, if it’s creative, it is represented.

After our potluck socializing, and meet and greet, our guest speaker was a very knowledgeable and informative attorney who specializes in Intellectual Property, Business Law, Non-profit, and Benefit Corporation Law.

Ms. Goodson was an amazing speaker. There was so much information offered that my brain was exploding. Like any other professional occupation, I didn’t realize all the laws and liabilities that creative occupations entailed, like contracts, intellectual property, patents, copyrights, LLCs, registrations, trademarks, logos, branding, confidentiality provisions and more. Yikes!

Well, that settles that. No way I can be a prolific professional artist. Too much paperwork and mind boggling red tape.

Everyone had a good time and we all learned a lot. Thank you Sammetrial Goodson for your presentation, and thank you Andrea Holmes and Tom Michero and Silky Hart Michero for hosting this awesome event.

Great evening over at The MillHouse!

Tuesday:) Talking to Todd Hutchinson About the Independent Art House at Filtered

“New and exciting things don’t just happen all by themselves, it takes a dreamer who shares his dreams.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Yesterday was the first time I’ve been to McKinney Creative Community since 2020 B.C. (Before Covid) 🤦‍♀️ The wonderful gathering at the MillHouse takes place the second Monday of the month. Every month, anyone interested in sharing ideas, food, and networking with like minded creative people are welcome to attend. We sit around, introduce ourselves and share what’s “new and good” in our world. Great fun. There is usually an awesome guest speaker.

This month’s guest speaker was Todd Hutchinson, who shared his new collaboration of the Independent Art House at Filtered on the Square. Tomorrow will be an Open House, if you’re around, stop by.

Todd and his wife are so excited about bringing a more exciting creative atmosphere to the already blossoming artistic community here in McKinney.

Thank you Andrea Holmes for always finding such great guest speakers.

McKinney Creative Community is an awesome place for anyone interested in meeting like minded creative and talented folks. We have artists, writers, musicians, dancers, film, etc. You don’t have to think you are creative, everyone is creative. Check us out on Facebook.

Happy Tuesday, my friends.

Monday:) McKinney Creative Community

“Creativity begins at home, especially if your home is in McKinney, Texas. We have the greatest Creative Community.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Another busy day here at the ranch. Wait a minute…. there’s no ranch here, but it is Texas. I got up early to get the brownies in the oven for our McKinney Creative Community potluck gathering at The Cove at 5:30 PM. While those were baking, I made my usual tray of sandwiches to take for the potluck for the senior center country dance at 1. (My kitchen is still a mess,)

Our McKinney Creative Community gatherings at The Cove every second Monday of the month are always fun and informative. There is so much talent in this town, it’s unbelievable. Everyone brings food and beverages to share, and we chat and network, make new friends and visit with old friends.

Tonight, our guest speakers were Kelly and Justin who came to talk to us about Kelly’s Art Shack right in downtown McKinney,

Kelly’s Art Shack

312 East Cloyd street
McKinney , TX 75024

CALL:  (214) 935-8891

WEBSITE https://www.kellysartshack.com EMAIL   |   WEBSITE   |   FACEBOOK

Art is just a painting on a wall for some. For some, it is a way of life. If you are among the blessed few who can recognize, appreciate and enjoy art as it is, then you have come to the right place.

KGO Designs offers a wide range of artistic services ranging from wall murals, original paintings to specialty items that are custom designed by gifted artists. Be it at your home or your office, we can make your space extra special with our art.

Kelly and her husband Justin, recent newlyweds, told us about their dream of creating an artistic oasis and creative space here in McKinney for friends, families, visitors artists, musicians, and all around fun people to sit and relax, surrounded by art, nature, and beauty. The walls are filled,with at least a hundred original paintings, and Kelly’s murals line walls, fences, and pretty much every building surface her talented brush can reach. Kelly’s Art Shack can host small weddings, gatherings, instructional classes, music venues, and more.

I haven’t been by to see this cool artistic oasis on the Square, but I’m definitely going to check it out real soon.

For more info, check out their website…

https://www.kellysartshack.com/

Monday :) McKinney Creative Community

“When all is said and done, the real citadel of strength of any community is in the hearts and minds and desires of those who dwell there.”

~Everett Dirksen

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This evening, we had our February meeting of McKinney Creative Community over at the Cove. What a wonderful group of talented and creative people. Most of us have become good friends over the years, and have made many new creative friends along the way. Thus, the title. We gather for a potluck and conversation meeting, networking and sharing ideas. After our yummy meal, we sit in a circle and take turns introducing ourselves, talking about our creative passion, and if we have anything new and good to share. Then, on to the best part…

We always have a very interesting speaker. This month our guest speaker was Karen Zupanic, the Executive Director of the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts.

Karen gave an informative presentation on the history of the Heard-Craig House and the philanthropic family. She also told us all the activities, presentations, and community groups and clubs that meet at the home. There is so much going on there that I wasn’t aware of, so I’m sure the rest of the city of McKinney probably isn’t aware either.

More information on the Heard-Craig…

https://www.heardcraig.org/

It was a fun and informative evening.

Just Another Manic Monday

“Always believe something wonderful is about to happen. You are in control. Never allow your Monday to be manic. Don’t let the word Monday scare you, do something awesome.”

-?

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I got up before the 6:45 alarm to get dressed and walk the dog. A busy day ahead. My morning entailed going over to the Collin County Courthouse before 8:30 am. A long story and a favor for a friend. It all worked out and I hung around to visit the court room of my friend, Judge John Roach Jr. Very interesting.

When I got home, I needed to prepare sandwiches for the pot luck for the senior center country dance, cut up and pack up the cake for my firemen at Station 9, and cut up the brownies and peanut butter Snicker pie for McKinney Creative Community.

On my way to the dance, I dropped off the cake at Station 9 around 1pm.

Firefighter Summers had a big smile, a big thank you, he and asked me how my Christmas with family in Chicago was. I had mentioned before I left in December that I’d be gone all month. How nice that he remembered.

The dance was fun, as usual. Over 90 people this afternoon. I just looked at my phone step tracker, and it looks like all that dancing added around 8,000 or more steps to my day. Having fun and getting steps in at the same time. Cool!

After the dance, I stopped at Whataburger for an iced tea with friends, then stopped at the thrift store to check out the treasures and bargains. Then, over to McKinney Creative Community at The Cove before 6.

My friend and amazing printmaker, Lynn Hubner, had her artwork still on display at The Cove, so I was able to see the amazing work before our meeting. I was so sad when I thought that I missed this art show over the weekend.

Our guest speakers were the owners of a new fun creative shop on the Square called GRAPHITE. Trina Brown and Leslie Gardner shared their backgrounds and vision of starting a business that focused on bringing back the beautiful art of the written word and communication.

Graphite is located at 211 N. Tennessee St., McKinney. The store offers variety of unusual pencils as well as sharpeners, erasers, stationary, stickers, cards, books, socks, and T-shirts. The store also offers a variety of classes like handwriting, calligraphy, letter writing, journaling, resume writing, and sketching. Other classes and workshops are forming. If you have some suggestions, Trina and Leslie are open to suggestions.

www.thegraphitestore.com

McKinney has the greatest group of creative and talented people, and they all share their dreams and visions with the community.

It was a busy awesome Crazy Manic Monday, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Tuesday:) It Takes a Village…or a Community

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

~Coretta Scott King

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McKinney Creative Community meets every second Monday of the month at 5:30ish, over at The Cove on Tennessee. It was so cold and blustery last night, that I thought for sure that not that many people would attend. The place was packed with artists, writers, musicians, web designers, friends, etc. (we even had a visiting puppy dog.) All were there for the same reason, to share food, friendship and information.

McKinney has the greatest arts community and the most wonderful artists and creative people on the planet. Maybe, even the universe, but I haven’t visited the rest of the galaxy to find out. Maybe one day?

All are welcome to attend these pot luck gatherings. You don’t have to be an artist or even think you are creative. But, if you attend, you certainly will leave feeling inspired, and maybe decide to take that pottery or jewelry class, or sign up for a dance or yoga class. It’s never to late to learn or try something new. And the best part is, you’ll make new friends.

I always like to post a picture of my brownies on the Facebook page, before they go in the oven. I’ve been told that that’s a good reminder and incentive for the gathering. Yesterday, I made Snicker-s’mores brownies. I used lots of leftover Halloween candy bars and marshmallows. Yum!

The first hour or so of our meeting is socializing, sharing yummy foods, desserts, and beverages. Then, we gather in a circle and just share our “New and Good.” It can be anything from taking a workshop, upcoming art shows, awards, or just a recent trip. My sharing was about my visit to Chicago to see my grand babies and visit family. We are all family here, sharing family news.

Our guest speaker yesterday was Molly Brewer from McKinney’s Arts Commission. Not only did we find out about the many projects and opportunities in McKinney, but also about the many grants available to various individual artists and art groups. Several suggestions and opportunities we would never have known about. Very informative.

As I’ve said a zillion times, there is so much to learn and so much to share in our community. It only takes that first step to say, “I want to expand my horizons.”

In December, many of the artists will be featured or attending the Tupps Brewery Holiday Art Bazaar. The perfect opportunity to purchase amazing local art and crafts at wonderful prices. Check it out.. oh yes… and have a beer or two while shopping and meeting the cool artists.

Tuesday:) Talking About McKinney Creative Community

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” –

~Coretta Scott King

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The second Monday of every month, a wonderful group of talented artists, writers, musicians, and local creative people gather at The Cove for a potluck gathering and meeting of the minds.

What a fabulous group of people, and the potluck dinner is always over the top. Some people bring wine, teas and beverages, and there are all kinds of yummy food, snacks and desserts. (I bring brownies every time. I’d be kicked out if I didn’t bring my brownies.)

We always have a fascinating guest speaker. Our speaker yesterday was Colleen Hartley who spoke to the group about how to promote their artistic endeavors through Brand Identity.

Colleen gave us some interesting insight into the importance of websites and creating our personal branding. She works with clients to promote their business, but she also shared many tips, free websites, and ways that we can all promote our artistic endeavors. As artists and creatives, we usually don’t know the best way to promote our work. Colleen gave us some great ideas on how to accomplish this.

McKinney Creative Community is open to anyone interested in meeting other like-minded people, sharing ideas, learning, and making new friends. You can find more info on Facebook.

We have a great community and compassionate members who take action to make it so.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King

Monday:) McKinney Creative Community

“Creative geniuses redefine the desired solution. They don’t just push the envelope; they create a whole new courier system.”

― Puneet Bhatnagar

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McKinney has become quite the cultural arts district in North Texas, and it continually grows and expands. The behind the scenes art community is well represented at the monthly McKinney Creative Community potluck meeting every second Monday of the month at The Cove.

Our meetings begin with a yummy potluck, sharing food, beverages, laughter, hugs, and friendship. Then, we gather in a big circle for our “new and good” portion, sharing a little bit about ourselves, our recent creative endeavors, and the highlights of our month since last we met.

Our guest speaker this month was Angi Burns, the Executive Director of the Ovation Academy of the Performing Arts. Angi had an informative and inspirational presentation of how her vision for this academy evolved. After many years of teaching in public schools and having talented children of her own, she realized the great need for a special school for young people whose talents and creativity often get lost in the public school system.

With an in depth presentation of plays, performances, and accolades of the academy’s students, our group was thoroughly impressed with this new school and the possibilities it brings to our local young people.

One of the important things I learned from the presentation was that not all young people are comfortable or able to blossom in the average public school system. Often, talented and creative students are considered odd, different, or weird in the mainstream classroom. Unfortunately, they sometimes are ridiculed, teased or taunted. Ovation Academy provides a nurturing safe place for these young people to learn, flourish and to express their unique talent. We are very fortunate to have this innovative school here in McKinney, a welcome addition to our “Unique by Nature” arts community.

Ovation Academy of a Performing Arts is located at 301 W. Louisiana St. and more information available at http://www.ovationpa.org

Monday and McKinney Creative Community

“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.”

― Osho

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Our August McKinney Creative Community potluck gathering at the Cove tonight was very interesting and informative. Our guest speaker, Jeannette Teel, Jeannette brought so many interesting locks and keys that she’s collected and purchased over the years. She creates one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces with these antique or vintage locks and keys, some as old as 300 years.

Each unique piece is not only a beautiful art form, but has a fascinating history or story to go along with it. Jeannette’s passion is only surpassed by her creativity.

It made me think of all the sentimental items that we hold onto over the years, and how maybe, just maybe, they could be turned into a sentimental piece of jewelry or some kind of artwork. I made a joke and said, “I have my old high school gym locker combination lock that I could wear around my neck, but it’s kinda heavy.”

It was a great evening sharing time, food, and ideas with other creative and like-minded friends at The Cove.

And, the perfect end to a great evening was the gorgeous sunset on my drive home.

Tuesday:) Together We Can Change The World

“Together we can change the world, just one random act of kindness at a time.”

~Ron Hall

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The second Monday of the month is always an evening to look forward to. McKinney Creative Community is a very fun group of like-minded, very talented, and very giving folks who get together for a pot-luck social and sharing gathering.

Our meetings are hosted at The Cove, a fantastic artist cooperative gallery in downtown McKinney. Our sessions just keep getting larger, more interesting and diverse. We have artists, writer’s dancers, musicians, teachers, potters, and other talented people who enjoy sharing ideas, information, food, fun, and it’s a great place for networking. Everyone is welcome.

Our guest speaker last night was Dr. Beth Beck. Her ideas about entrepreneurship and enabling women to excel in all aspects of their lives are fascinating.

Dr. Beck retired from NASA in 2018 after thirty years in federal service. So, what better speaker for our Creative Community than one who is passionate about social entrepreneurship, and community involvement.

Our McKinney Creative Community members listened intently while Dr. Beck shared her concept and dream of creating the MillHouse Foundation right here in McKinney.

MillHouse Foundation is a nonprofit foundation designed to connect women, build community, share resources, and create social, creative, and economic impact by fostering “fempreneurship.” MillHouse McKinney is a membership-based social space with studios, programs, activities, and experiences to promote and support emotional well-being and entrepreneurial experimentation that may result in emerging business opportunities. For more information: https://MillHouseFoundation.org.

Because the foundation is just in the initial stages, this is a great time for individuals and the community to get involved on the ground floor.

Thank you so much, Dr. Beth, for your inspirational presentation, but also for your tireless efforts in making your MillHouse Foundation dream become a reality.