PROMPT is a member-based virtual collective for visual artists who have worked with educators/artists Alana Barrett and Laura Shabott. Memberships are designed to foster creative connections and artistic growth.

Memberships include activities such as discussion based lectures, group critiques, creative art prompts, journals and a published catalogue at the end of a 3 month cycle.

PROMPT is for visual artists of all backgrounds and levels who are looking for community, encouragement, and motivation in their art practice. We believe that diversity of skill and experience promotes creativity in a group, and thus we welcome all artists - from “beginner” to “advanced” to our community.

PROMPT is run by collaborating teaching artists Laura Shabott and Alana Barrett who have built a collective of over fifty artists by designing and delivering over twenty-five courses in abstract expressionism, geometric abstraction, figurative, and experimental art. They have also produced over four student shows both virtual and brick and mortar. Shabott and Barrett bring a broad range of experience, knowledge and passion for art with which to serve the PROMPT community.

Members will gain from being in a community of like-minded artists grounded in the principles of modern art. PROMPT is designed to give artists an increase in productivity, surges of inspiration, willingness to take risks, and camaraderie.

PROMPT meets virtually online through Zoom, and content (such as creative prompts, access to learning materials and extra resources) are delivered virtually through the PROMPT webpage.

Throughout their two years of collaboration, Shabott and Barrett have found great success and enthusiasm among their students in virtual platforms. Meeting online allows for ease of access, the comfort of a home/studio, and safety during these unprecedented COVID times.

Creative art prompts will be delivered via uploaded videos/photos that can be accessed at any time. The videos will feature Alana Barrett and Laura Shabott explaining the prompt, supplies needed, source materials necessary, and a brief demonstration of how the prompt can be approached as a visual artist.

Examples of possible creative art prompts include: What do you call home? The power of direct gaze, the figure in nature, integrating personal history into your work… and more.

One hour lectures on contemporary and modern artists will be led by Alana Barrett and Laura Shabott on Wednesday nights from 5:30 - 6:30pm EST every three weeks. The lectures are designed around group participation and discussion. Artists will stretch their own ability for visual analysis by responding to questions specific to the lecture.

PROMPT acknowledges that artists who have studied with Shabott + Barrett are rich in life experience and knowledgeable in art history, gender studies, philosophy, literature, fashion and more. Thus, discussion-based lectures provide the perfect platform for peer-to-peer experiences.

A journal will be provided to all members that contain the creative prompts for a three month cycle and additional room to journal, ideate, and sketch.

At the end of a three month cycle, member artwork will be published as a catalogue to be distributed digitally and physically.

Critique will be held on Wednesday nights from 4:00-5:00pm, and 5:30-6:30pm EST. Members will bring work they made in response or reaction to the most recent prompt. Thoughtful, compassionate, and equitable feedback will be provided for each artist and their process, focusing on topics such as the elements and principles of art. Critique will encourage growth, risk taking, and deep explorations of work.

Open Studio will be held biweekly: on Sundays from 1pm - 4pm, and Monday nights from 6pm-8pm. This studio time is a place for artists to work on their prompts and immerse themselves in an energizing “studio atmosphere” but from the comfort of their home via Zoom. During this time, Alana and/or Laura will also be working on artwork and available to answer questions and give feedback. Artists can also break out into small breakout rooms on Zoom to collaborate on projects or give each other critique.

Padlet is a phone and web application that allows members to post their work to a private group page and leave comments on each other’s work, such as questions, feedback, material recommendations and more.