The 52 Project

WELCOME to a new year of committing to being more creative:

capture your ideas in writing.
find inspiration and motivation from a group of creatives.
have fun learning to tell your story.
use “52” for accountability and encouragement; and
commit to writing a project proposal! (optional)

Inspired by Sue Mitchell’s commitment to 52 weeks of art making and her resulting exhibition called “52”, this group was formed in 2015 for creative people to find inspiration and motivation from one another while participating in a 52-week self-directed journey to help you develop the habit of capturing your inspired ideas and being more artful on a regular basis.

There are two ways to participate, they cost the same and you can go back and forth between the two options until the final deadline for project proposals.

Option 1: You write a commitment statement and try to be more creative on a regular basis taking advantage of the motivational and accountability tools the 52 Project will provide.
Option 2: If you feel a creative idea developing along the way – you want to publish a short story or book of poems, hold a dance or guitar recital, or stage a one – act play or art exhibition – The 52 Project will help you write a project proposal. Submitted proposals will be juried by the museum staff. (During the past eight years, with over 400 participants, and 110 mini exhibitions or performances at RAM.)

Meetings are the third Saturday of the month at the Riverside Art Museum unless otherwise specified.

In other benefits, the museum offers artist talks, workshops, and has collaborated with members to put together book clubs, journaling groups, and more.

If you have an idea for creating a group or meet up with fellow 52 members, or an idea for a workshop, please reach out to Caryn Marsella at [email protected].

**Early Bird special: Join the 52 Project during the 2024-2025 52 Project Exhibition June 5 – July 21 and the cost is $200.52

After July 21^st the cost is $252.00 for RAM members (must renew membership if it expires during the year) $352.00, for non- members. Those who have been members of previous iterations of the 52 Project know how valuable the experience of being part of the Project is, and how new members add knowledge and energy to the mix.

Included in the cost of the “52 Project” (10) monthly meetings to help you get started, hands-on classes, journaling, open studios to meet others in the cohorts, book club and more. We also have a private “52” Facebook page to encourage your creativity, sharing your art, and the ability to ask questions from site experts.

Classes will include “How to tell your story”, developing a commitment statement, Business of Art, meet the curator and have a discussion on what they look for when choosing pieces for an exhibition, learn to write a proposal, studio tours and more. You will also receive invitations to artist talks, artist demos, and more.

Meetings are every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

First Meeting will be July 19, 2025. 10:00am Orientation, 11:00am Meeting

Questions? Contact Caryn Marsella @ [email protected]