Building Authentic Creative Communities: 5 Lessons from That Art Party's Founder

Two years ago, I launched That Art Party with a simple vision: create an experience where BIPOC adults can truly restore with a little art and play. At our recent anniversary celebration, the feedback that touched me most wasn't about the venue, the vendors, or even the art itself—it was about community. "Naomi knows how to build community," they said. This wasn't by accident. Building our vibrant, caring and creative community has been intentional, challenging, and deeply rewarding. Today, I'm sharing my top community-building insights for anyone looking to create meaningful connections in their creative space.

Tip #1: Start With Self-Awareness

Why it works: Building community starts with understanding yourself. Before you can find or create the right community, you need clarity about your own needs and desires.

How we implement it at That Art Party: When designing our events and spaces, I regularly check in with my own artistic and social needs. What conversations am I craving? What kinds of connections feel nourishing rather than depleting? I've learned that authentic community building begins with honoring my own needs first—this ensures I create from a place of genuine passion rather than obligation.

How you can apply this: Take time to reflect on questions like: What kinds of interactions energize you? What creative conversations do you crave? Where are your needs currently being met, and where do you feel a gap? Journal about communities you've felt connected to in the past and identify the specific elements that resonated with you. This self-assessment becomes your compass for finding or building spaces that will truly fulfill you.

Tip #2: Listen and Observe Deeply

Why it works: Finding your community isn't just about putting yourself out there—it's about paying attention to how different spaces make you feel. Your body and intuition offer powerful guidance about where you belong.

How we implement it at That Art Party: I'm constantly tuning into the energy of our gatherings. Are people relaxed? Are conversations flowing? Where do I notice tension or excitement? I've designed our events to include both high-energy moments and quieter spaces for deeper connection, responding to what I observe our community may need to feel a full, well-rounded experience.

How you can apply this: When exploring potential communities, tune into your nervous system responses. Do you feel regulated, safe, and open in this space? Or contracted, anxious, and drained? Pay attention to physical sensations: in spaces where you belong, you might notice relaxed shoulders, deeper breathing, and a softening in your chest or belly. Your face muscles may naturally relax into small smiles. In contrast, environments that aren't right for you might trigger tension in your jaw or neck, shallow breathing, a racing heartbeat, or an urge to check your phone repeatedly as an escape. Your inner child—that intuitive part of you—knows immediately whether a space feels right. Give yourself permission to trust these signals rather than forcing connections where they don't naturally form.

Tip #3: Invest Consistently

Why it works: True community isn't built in a single event—it develops through consistent presence and commitment over time. Trust is the foundation of meaningful connection, and trust requires consistency.

How we implement it at That Art Party: We maintain a regular calendar of events and always follow through on our promises. I make it a point to remember details about our community members' lives and projects, checking in on their progress when they return. This consistent investment shows people they matter beyond a single interaction. We also create opportunities for members to invest in each other through collaborative projects and skill shares.

How you can apply this: Commit to showing up regularly in spaces that feel aligned with your values. Community building isn't about convenience—it's about prioritizing connection even when life gets busy. Share your gifts, volunteer your time, and participate actively rather than passively observing. Remember that meaningful relationships develop gradually through shared experiences and mutual support. Be patient with this process and celebrate small moments of connection along the way.

Tip #4: Track It and Plan It

Why it works: Intentions without structure often remain unfulfilled. Creating concrete plans and accountability systems ensures that community building becomes a priority rather than an afterthought.

How we implement it at That Art Party: We use a detailed planning calendar that maps out our community touchpoints months in advance. Each team member has specific community-building goals—whether that's reaching out to new members, following up with regulars who haven't attended recently, or creating opportunities for deeper engagement. We track attendance patterns, connection points, and community feedback to ensure we're creating meaningful experiences.

How you can apply this: Write community engagement directly into your planner or calendar. Set specific goals—maybe it's trying one new community space each month or returning to a promising group on a regular cadence. Build accountability mechanisms that work for you: find a creative homie who will attend events with you, journal about your experiences, or set calendar reminders to reach out to people you've met. Treat these community commitments with the same importance as work meetings or doctor appointments—they're investments in your social wellbeing.

Tip #5: Review and Reflect

Why it works: Conscious reflection helps you recognize the value community brings to your life, reinforcing your commitment and helping you refine your approach over time.

How we implement it at That Art Party: Every quarter, I take time to reflect on how our community has evolved. I review photographs from events, read through feedback forms, and journal about memorable moments of connection. This practice helps me appreciate our growth while identifying areas where we can deepen engagement. I also encourage our regular members to share how being part of the community has impacted their creative practice and personal wellbeing.

How you can apply this: Set regular intervals—perhaps quarterly or biannually—to reflect on how your community engagement has enriched your life. Ask yourself: What new relationships have formed? How has my creative work benefited? What emotional support have I received? What opportunities have emerged that wouldn't have otherwise? Document these benefits, perhaps through journaling, photos, or even a simple gratitude list. This reflection not only reinforces the value of your investment but also helps you recognize patterns about which community spaces are truly nourishing your spirit.

Measurable Results

Since founding That Art Party two years ago, we've grown from intimate gatherings of 10 people to events that regularly host 75+ artists and creatives. More meaningful than numbers, however, are the collaborations that have emerged—members have built friendships, had creative breakthroughs, and formed creative partnerships that extend far beyond our events.

Your Community Journey Begins With You

Building community isn't about following a formula—it's about creating space for authentic connection to flourish. By starting with self-awareness, listening deeply to your intuition, committing to consistent engagement, tracking your progress, and reflecting on your journey, you lay the groundwork for meaningful relationships to develop naturally. Whether you're looking to join an existing community or create something new, remember that the most powerful connections begin with understanding yourself first.

Ready to experience community building in action? Join us at our next That Art Party event and feel the difference that intentional community creation can make. Sign up for our newsletter below to stay informed about upcoming gatherings and opportunities to connect.