Find Your Pencil
I was definitely a child who loved art. Getting a new pack of crayons or new pencils was my dream come true. I can still remember the smell of the new crayon box and dreaming of all of the things that I would create. My bedroom was cluttered with drawing pads and I traced illustrations from every book I ever owned. When I was in High School, I got a job working with children affected by Autism. I would help children learn to write their names, learn basic skills like clapping and throwing a ball and I realized pretty early on, how important expression was through art.
I studied Speech Pathology in school and after my Junior year, I realized that Science and Math were not my expertise. So what would fulfill me? What career would I want? After giving it some thought, I graduated with a major in Graphic Design and Studio Art. It fueled my passion in a huge way, allowed me to explore mediums that I never was exposed to, and allowed me to travel all over the world through my Art History lessons. I ate up every second!
After school, I pursued a career in Advertising and Marketing. I settled down here in Charlottesville, and for 15 years, put my passion to use through my career at Brown Automotive. I started our in house Marketing agency with a piece of paper and a pencil. I drew out every ad and created hand-drawn storyboards for every TV commercial we ever produced. This field allowed me to utilize my art skills to create thousands of campaigns over the years. I will be forever grateful to those I worked with for allowing me to create, learn and grow. I am also grateful to the person who lent me their pencil. When the owner of our dealership retired and sold the stores, I began to once again to look inside to see what would fulfill me.
In 2019, as I walked through the corridors at the place that had given me so many years of happiness, I began to dream of a place where everyone could come together to share their life experiences. A place where children and adults could learn and express themselves through art, in the most fun environment possible. When I opened Pikasso Swig, it became once again apparent to me how important art is for our community. Six days a week, we help children and adults learn and create dozens of crafts and foster new hobbies all while hosting impromptu dance parties! Pikasso Swig is my dream come true.
I have seen adults make new friends and connect with old friends while they paint. I have seen children and adults get frustrated while learning new skills but complete them with such accomplishment. I have seen grandparents create lasting memories with their grandchildren while making Christmas ornaments. We have hosted Bachelorettes, Brides, Company Retreats, Valentine’s Day Events and Birthdays! Oh, the Birthdays!
As we move into this school year and navigate these trying times, it is so important to remember that frustration is always going to be among us. Art finds a way to channel that frustration and gives us the tools to persevere in every aspect of life. By utilizing art as a creative outlet, it is shown that children do better in school. It's true! The skills that children learn through art, can be applied to almost every aspect of life and can be used well into adulthood. How you may ask? Here are some tools:
· DON’T QUIT: New skills are hard. To be good at things it takes practice. You can try again.
· BE IN THE MOMENT: Don’t focus on the finished product. Enjoy the process.
· NO MISTAKES: There are no mistakes in art. Your creation is your creation.
· ALWAYS TRY: Trying new things expands your brain. You want your brain to be as big as possible.
· MAKE A MESS: A mess can always be cleaned up. Spill the paint. Mix your colors. It's OK!
· TRUST YOURSELF: Have confidence and believe in your own abilities. You can do it!
These tools have helped me create a life that I love! They have helped me both personally and professionally and I try to pass on these tips to everyone I have the pleasure of crafting with. I always sit down after a birthday party and cry. Haha I know, I'm a big baby. When I see children creating something that they are proud of, it brings tears to my eyes every time. I am just and so thankful that art exists and that I can continue to bring creativity into people's lives.
When I am having a tough day, I always pick up a pencil. I try to create small masterpieces whenever I can. I believe that if each of us could create small masterpieces each day, whatever that may mean to you, we can create a world where we can celebrate our differences and come together in the most positive way possible. I hope that every day you will find your “pencil” and continue to share your dreams with the world.
Jamie Schwartz is the Owner of Pikasso Swig Craft Bar, a small locally owned business in Charlottesville, VA. She has over a decade of experience in retail Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations. Follow Pikasso Swig online at pikassoswig.com or on social media @pikassoswig.