sa·lon
n.

1. A large room, such as a drawing room, used for receiving and entertaining guests.
2. A periodic gathering of people of social or intellectual distinction.
3. A hall or gallery for the exhibition of works of art.
4. A commercial establishment offering a product or service related to fashion: a beauty salon.

I think I like Salons. I knew what they were, how they worked, but never attended one before. Last night, North of Fairfax (a tiny town North of Marin County), I attended my first. And, you know what? I like Salons.

Anything that is collaborative, art-related, and a creative outlet has always been a personal favorite. While I feel completely unqualified to make statements about all Salons, I can say a few things about this one–because it was an exceptional event.

First of all, the location was in someone’s home–an actual Salon. The house was a living, working house with a family who lived there–and, the house was filled with wonderful art. It sets the stage when you walk in the door and there are phenomenal paintings in Oil, exceptional charcoal drawing, and sculpture surrounding you. This was an intimate setting, and I was asked to accompany friends who were asked to attend by a friend. And, it was a potluck. So, everyone brought something tasty and vegetarian. The woman who was the MC for the evening was a musician (and who lived in the house) was a singer/guitar player, and she started our evening with a song for us.

There was a wide-range artists who performed. Some people performed, while others sang. There was a monologue, 3 grade-school girls sang gospel, some people read their own poetry, and others read someone else’s poetry. Some cover tunes, and a bunch of original stuff. There was a little Scottish violin, some open-mic vigor, a little real-deal dream poetry, and an entirely unexpected and successful mix of art.

For the sake of society, I hope that our future holds more of these (both for events where I get invited and events in other communities). We need more people who surround children with art, and more events that allow the unexpected to occur. We need more places where people and art intersect. It is in that unexpected place where amazing things happen–both to yourself, and to others.

Open your home and plan a salon. Send invitations. Ask your friends to make art. Make some yourself. Be surprised–the unexpected will make you better.