Social Paint Experience brings art and connection to Best Life Fest

KEENE — For those who have ever wanted to explore their artistic side but felt intimidated by a blank canvas, an upcoming event in Keene offers an opportunity to discover creating art doesn't require formal training, experience or even a particular vision. The Social Paint Experience, one of several interactive activities planned for The Keene Sentinel's Best Life Fest on Saturday, Nov. 7, will invite participants to explore their creativity through painting, positive affirmations and shared artistic expression. The festival, taking place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Best Western in Keene, is designed for adults 40 and older, offering opportunities to explore new hobbies, participate in activities and connect with members of the Monadnock community. During the 45-minute Social Paint Experience, participants will have the opportunity to create personalized artwork incorporating positive affirmations — encouraging words or statements intended to inspire confidence, optimism or personal reflection. Unlike a traditional painting class where participants follow instructions to reproduce a specific image, the experience will encourage individuals to experiment with materials and techniques while developing their own creative interpretations. "The Social Paint Experience will be a 45-minute art exploration gathering where participants can create their own masterpiece featuring positive affirmations," said Hannah Banana, who will facilitate the activity. Central to the experience will be an "Art Bar," featuring an assortment of supplies and materials participants can use to create their artwork. Each attendee will select a prepared canvas and a laser-cut affirmation before choosing additional materials for their piece. The facilitator will provide a brief introduction to available techniques and supplies before participants begin creating and interacting with one another. The approach is intended to make art accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, from experienced artists to those who may not have picked up a paintbrush in years. "I think social painting differs from a traditional art class because it focuses on exploration rather than instruction, techniques, and lessons," Banana said. Rather than emphasizing the finished product or teaching specific artistic skills, the experience is designed to encourage creative freedom and personal discovery. "I believe there is no right or wrong way to make art and I believe this style of art event allows folks to create without the pressure of making something with an expected outcome," Banana said. That philosophy also shapes the way the session will be organized. By allowing participants to select their own materials, experiment with different approaches and work at their own pace, Banana hopes to create an environment where creativity can develop naturally. "I think when we are allowed to create without pre-defined boundaries we learn more about ourselves than we will ever learn about the materials we are working with," she said. Making creativity accessible For many adults, artistic expression can become less prominent as professional responsibilities, family obligations and everyday routines take priority. Although creative activities are commonly incorporated into childhood education, opportunities to engage in art may become less frequent later in life. Banana said she believes reconnecting with creativity can be meaningful at any age. "I think creative experiences are valuable for all humans, in every stage of life," she said, pointing to the role that music, art and literature often play in childhood education. "I think there is part of this human experience that gets forgotten once we graduate and begin living our lives — the art of intertwining creative practices into everyday life." For adults who may feel uncertain about their artistic abilities, Banana emphasizes the event is designed to eliminate the pressure often associated with learning a new skill. Participants will not be expected to follow a particular artistic style or produce work that meets a predetermined standard. Instead, the goal is to encourage experimentation, self-expression and enjoyment. "Yes, this is absolutely designed for people of all skill levels," Banana said. "Much like most of my community offerings — whether you are seasoned pro or an extreme beginner — I am on site to provide you with all of the confirmation that we are all powerful creators." That inclusive approach is particularly relevant to Best Life Fest's focus on encouraging adults to discover new activities and opportunities for personal enrichment. While some participants may arrive with years of artistic experience, others may simply be curious about trying something new. The facilitator hopes both groups will find value in the opportunity to create without judgment. Building connections through art Beyond its emphasis on individual creativity, the Social Paint Experience is designed to bring people together through a shared activity. Rather than working independently in a formal classroom setting, participants will be encouraged to mingle, exchange ideas and draw inspiration from their surroundings and one another. Banana believes community-based creative activities can help people build confidence, explore new interests and form connections. "I think community-based art events and/or activities have the potential to inspire and empower," she said. "Through my many years of creative community work, I have absolutely witnessed creators gaining confidence in calling themselves artists while they make, embracing their creative calling, finding ways to be inspired and inspiring." Banana brings approximately two decades of experience making and sharing artwork, describing their background as that of a self-taught, full-spectrum artist. Over the past five years, her work has increasingly focused on organizing community activities that encourage artistic expression and bring people together. Those efforts include free community Art Jam events, which follow a similar approach to the upcoming Social Paint Experience, as well as an artist support group offered through MAXT Makerspace in Peterborough. The organization provides a local setting for makers and artists to develop skills, share ideas and participate in creative activities. Through these experiences, Banana has observed how providing an accessible environment for artmaking can encourage people who might otherwise hesitate to identify themselves as artists. The approach reflects a broader philosophy that creative expression does not have to be limited to professional artists or people with formal training. Instead, the act of making something can offer an opportunity for individuals to express their personalities, reflect on their experiences and connect with others. A meaningful takeaway Although participants will leave the Social Paint Experience with a completed piece of artwork, Banana hopes the activity will have an impact beyond the canvas. By incorporating positive affirmations into their creations, attendees will have an opportunity to select messages that hold personal significance and can serve as reminders in their everyday lives. The affirmations may represent encouragement, confidence, personal growth or other themes that participants find meaningful. For Banana, this aspect of the experience is an opportunity to connect creativity with personal reflection. "I hope that participants will take away a piece of art that they created that is powerful and meaningful to them," she said. "I hope they will choose an affirmation that can make a difference in their daily lives and learn something about themselves and their creative journey in the process." For Banana leading the painting session, however, the central message is simple: creativity remains accessible throughout life, regardless of experience or perceived artistic ability. As attendees select their materials and begin filling their canvases, the goal is not necessarily to create a polished piece of artwork, but to enjoy the creative process and discover something about themselves along the way.