I am a big supporter of the Off Center Community Arts Project.
Here in Albuquerque we have a nonprofit center where local artists can be themselves.
You have access to a studio space where you can work in peace. Anyone can have a space in the studio. Art is a very broad and loose term too. People who paint, sew, make jewelry and play guitar are all at the studio space. I love the vibe there and the peace. I like that I can set up my easel, bring my paints and not be distrubed. If I want to talk to local artists like myself, it is always welcomed. I have made quite a few friends through Off Center. I am really big in acquiring donations to keep the place going. Also, I do give a painting class every Tuesday at 3 pm and all the money goes back into the center. A lot of the local artists will be giving sewing classes, crafts, music lessons, you name it. It is important to keep our community going. Not only is encouraging art a good thing, but having a safe space for kids. There are kids that go to Off Center that might not have the best homelife, but here at the studio, they feel safe. Off Center also has been known to draw in tourists and help us raise money. Most people come to New Mexico looking for recreational marijuana. We have tons of dispensaries here. However, travelers soon find our state has a lot more to offer.