Shirley Brabson, owner of Quilt Works in Albuquerque, says that quilting is attracting women of all ages, and even some men as well. “Students want to improve their skills, socialize, and satisfy their artistic urge by creating something with color and fabric,” Brabson says. And like most places offering art instruction, there are a variety of classes to meet the needs of beginners and intermediate and advanced students.

If you’re not sure what artistic endeavor to try, pottery may be a great place to begin. New Mexico has the oldest continuing pottery tradition in the United States. According to Kathy Cyman, president of New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists, people have been making pots here for 2,000 years, and the art can be a source of relaxation, social interaction, and spirituality. “The challenge is to create something on the potter’s wheel that holds the feelings from the past, yet also is from the present,” says Cyman. “When I make pottery, it also contains my individual interpretation of what is aesthetically pleasing.”

If you’re interested in arts with an Asian flair, Cyman teaches a course at the University of New Mexico in the Arita Method. Developed in Asia, it’s a method of creating porcelain on a potter’s wheel. “While this method has evolved over the past 400 years, what we create is the result of the influence of the color of this land and our American appreciation of spontaneity in handmade ceramics,” says Cyman. The course has been taught at UNM for 25 years, and Cyman has been teaching it for the last five.

Mudfish Pottery in Albuquerque offers a variety of classes to individuals of all experience and skill levels. “Many of the women I teach want to work with clay and learn about the tradition of women making pots,” says Mudfish owner Louis D’Amico. “It’s the kind of activity where you get absorbed in the process…it can take you away from the concerns of the day.” Mudfish also offers a membership program so if you don’t necessarily need lessons, you can still come in and use the studio, socialize, and relax.

For Adele Frances, rediscovering a love of travel and knitting have created new passions in her life. She has begun selling hand-knitted and crocheted purses, scarves, hats, and necklaces, and even had a showing in a Madrid gallery. “Creating has been a theme throughout my life,” says Frances. “It’s not paying the rent, but it’s my ‘fun money’ and it’s something I enjoy.”

Think back to what you loved to do when you had the time to explore your passions. These activities will bring you joy and give you the energy to face your day-to-day responsibilities. Don’t forget to feed your soul and have fun. “Dust it off and get back to it, because it’s who you are and what you want to do,” says Frances.

If the art bug has bitten you but you don’t know where to start, here are a few places to explore. Be sure to ask about summer session schedules.

Victoria Groves is a writer and editor covering a variety of issues, including health, business, parenting, and economic development. She can be reached at vmgroves@yahoo.com.