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Arts & Entertainment

No Job Required to Rediscover Art

Art is free to the world and restorative to the soul.

It seems like everyone is unemployed.

National unemployment rates are at 9 percent or higher depending on the day. This means that there are a lot of adults with time on their hands. Once the shock of losing a job wears off, most people resolve to stay active.

“I'm going to repaint the house, volunteer at my kid's school, never rest a minute until I have a new job.”

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Those plans quickly fade as the frustration, fear and depression of an unfruitful job search sets in. Soon you're sleeping in, wearing your pajamas all day and losing hours playing 'Cafe World' on Facebook.

A great way to fend off the unemployment rut is rediscovering art. Art is free to the world and restorative to the soul. The most common things which keeps people from enjoying the arts are time and money. No one ever has both at the same time. When a person is unemployed they have time, but no money. Fortunately there are lots of artistic things to do that cost little or no money.

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There is more art to enjoy in the local community that most people realize. Local museums and galleries are free and much closer than the those in Chicago. The is open noon  to 4 p.m. most days and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. Frequently, the museum hosts inexpensive events. Thursday's costs only $5. 

“Someday I want to learn to play the guitar.” “I'd like to get back into drawing. I really enjoyed it during high school.” Everyone has these 'someday' plans. Well, now is the time.

Studying a new art does not require expensive classes or equipment. The library has instructional books on nearly everything and instruments can be purchased second hand.

The internet abounds with instructional videos on every art imaginable. Free classes or groups meet at local community centers or the library. The Oswego library has a writer's group that meets the second Tuesday of every month.

Not interested in learning to draw or playing an instrument? Take a class or read about an art or artistic trend you've always wanted to learn more about like “The History of American Quilting” or “The Influence of Psychedelic Rock on Alternative Music.” It will be interesting and who knows what doors your new knowledge will open for you.

Anyone can make art. Nearly everyone can make good art. More people than you'd expect can make great art. So why not try your hand at it? Take that digital camera that you bought back when you had money and walk around Oswego taking pictures. Create a blog to share your best shots.

There are many benefits to pursing art while unemployed. It enriches your life. It opens up new horizons. It gets you out of the house and meeting people.

The more people you meet, the greater the chances are of someone saying, “My company is hiring. I'll put in a good word for you.”

The best reason to get active in the arts while unemployed is that it gives a greater sense of accomplishment at the end of the day than beating your Bejeweled Blitz high score.

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