Who are the People in your Neighborhood

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It seems like one of the most-discussed problems among Americans young and old alike recently has been that of loneliness. Many people struggle to find community, especially after the pandemic reshaped our lives in so many ways. Whether through finding people with shared hobbies, religion, vocations, or just others who live in the same area, our communities enrich our lives in so many ways, obvious and not.

It sometimes surprises people, but most of my art shows are actually not at original art galleries or other art-specific places. This week, I took down art that I had in a show at the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce. I periodically have art shows there, and this one was for a chamber mixer that I hosted in April. When I arrived to the Chamber during open hours, however, the door was locked. As I stood out there and tried to think of why the door would be locked and how I could get into the building and take my art down on time, another person arrived for a meeting. They called the owner of the building, someone I’ve worked with and come to know over the years, unlocked the door for us.

After pulling the art, as I was heading home, I had an idea. I was scheduled to hang that same art at Symposium, our local coffee shop, the very next day, but the person that was going to help me hang it had just realized she had a conflict. Since it was right on the way home, I swung in there and was happy to see quite a few available hooks, even a day ahead of schedule.? I checked in with the person working behind the desk and I sent a note to the owner, who I’m also friends with, and I asked her if it would be okay if I hung a few pieces a day early. She quickly replied that it would be no problem.

As I was hanging art, I got to thinking that it’s wonderful living in a small town. I grew up in Tigard, and I chose to move out to Sherwood because it was a small town, and I fell in love with so many wonderful parts of living there. I know many of my neighbors, so when I go for walks, I pass many houses of my friends and acquaintances from the years.? Once, I was walking past a friend of a friend’s house, and she popped out and offered to show me her flowers in the backyard. That day, I left with a bag full of starts for my yard, and it was a great feeling to be so connected in the neighborhood. I’ve been able to pay forward the favor with my neighbor around the corner when I was able give her some of the plants that I have way too many of in my yard. I may not know all of my neighbors, but I do get along with them as best I can. I know some people don’t care to be close with their neighbors, and I respect that; in my experience, though, the benefits and support that come from my neighbors have been extremely valuable to me.

I’ve come to realize recently just how much of a positive effect having good relationships with people in your community can be, people who have your back and are happy to see you. We were created to be in relationship and I think that’s why it’s hit home living in a community like mine. My church is within walking distance from my house. I think there’s something special about knowing your neighbors in the city that you live in enough to feel comfortable and good about where you live. Even though this town is not such a small town anymore, it still has a small town feel to me. It takes an active interest in being connected to the community to establish relationships like that. Have you looked into “local artists near me” or “local art shows” if you are interested in your local art scene, or visited your closest farmer’s market? Maybe those or other similar options could provide opportunities to learn more about others in your own community. If you live near me, I can tell you about one local show that will be up through May at Symposium in both Tigard and Sherwood, a perfect opportunity to get out of the house and participate in local community. I am thankful that I live in Sherwood, Oregon, and I could not express my thankfulness for my local community enough.

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