In San Francisco, a new social initiative known as the Bad Art Club is encouraging individuals to cast aside their perfectionist tendencies and embrace creative spontaneity. Founded by Jules Costa, this engaging community welcomes all who want to explore art in a relaxed atmosphere, where unanticipated outcomes are celebrated rather than scrutinized.
The Bad Art Club, which commenced its journey in July 2024, holds gatherings every third Monday at 6 p.m. at The Faight Collective in the Lower Haight, with additional meetings starting in September on the first Monday of each month. Costa emphasizes that the energy surrounding these meet-ups is charged with a sense of spaciousness and permission, making it a liberating experience for all participants.
Costa, a resident of San Francisco, recognized a personal need for connection that didn’t involve technology and envisioned a platform that fosters creativity without pressure. Guided by her own artistic evolution, she gave herself the green light to create art that she previously deemed subpar. This realization led to the conceptualization of the Bad Art Club.
“The concept came to me during a transformative period, where I began to accept that making ‘bad’ art was an essential part of the creative process,” she shares. “What differentiated me from seasoned artists was simply their willingness to create without the weight of perfectionism.”
The inaugural assembly was a clear indication that Costa had struck a chord in the community, attracting approximately 50 attendees spanning various ages, genders, and backgrounds. The atmosphere was electric, with many expressing relief at the idea of belonging to a group that acknowledged their perceived lack of artistic skill.
“Most of the people there identified as being bad at art, which made it easy to connect and fill the room with excitement,” Costa recalls.
Participants often include artists who feel confined within strict boundaries of their medium. The club’s collective environment serves as a catalyst to rejuvenate their creative spirits, allowing for playful exploration and rediscovery of artistic expressions.
Costa noted how the first gathering was one of the most enjoyable experiences of her life, leaving her enthused about the potential of the Bad Art Club.
Each meeting features a unique theme with engaging titles designed to capture the playful spirit of the events. Previous sessions have included memorable titles like “F—king Around with Paint on Canvas,” “Tearing S— Up and Sticking It Down,” and “Watercolors Gone Wild.” Upcoming events promise to continue this trend, with themes such as “Messing Up Mixed Media” slated for August 18 and “Scribbling Nonsense and Calling It Poetry” on September 15.
To help facilitate creativity without hindrance, Costa sources art supplies through generous donations and online platforms like Buy Nothing and SCRAP. This practice encourages participants to abandon the notion that art materials must be treated with caution or reverence.
“By using recycled and donated supplies, we liberate ourselves from the mental barriers of scarcity, allowing us to immerse completely in the creative process without the pressure of preservation,” she explains.
Throughout the sessions, participants have the autonomy to shape their own experiences. Costa encourages a participatory atmosphere where attendees can engage at their own comfort levels.
“I invite everyone to embrace their own journey. If you don’t feel like doing any of the activities, just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s perfectly fine to leave at any point; what matters is that everyone feels free to do what resonates with them,” she emphasizes.
Beyond regular meetings, the Bad Art Club held its first annual retreat this summer in Sea Ranch, a tradition that Costa intends to continue in the following year. The club is expanding its offerings, with events planned in diverse venues, including an “I’m Not So Photogenic” photo shoot on September 22 at Velvett Studios in Oakland, as well as pop-up events at local block parties.
Costa also envisions sharing the Bad Art ethos with senior centers throughout San Francisco, hoping to spread the message that creativity knows no age limit.
Regardless of the venue or event, the club’s mission remains consistent: creating a supportive community where individuals can learn, explore, and grow together through the shared experience of making art.
Costa succinctly summarizes the essence of the Bad Art Club: “The art we’re creating together isn’t just about the final product; it’s the collaborative experience that transforms us as individuals and as a community. Yes, we’re making s—-y art, but the impact of that shared journey is incredibly profound.”
Join the Bad Art Club for “Messing Up with Mixed Media” at 6:15 p.m. on August 18 at The Faight Collective, located at 473A Haight St., San Francisco. Tickets range from $21 to $53 and can be found at eventbrite.com. For more information on upcoming events, visit thebadart.club.
image source from：piedmontexedra
