Group dedicated to arts networking comes to Bloomington

Though Bloomington has a reputation for a variety of creative outlets, Ladi Terry felt compelled to establish a breeding ground for creativity in the city. To this end, she has started the first Indiana chapter of the American Creativity Association. The group will hold its first meeting tonight. \nThe local chapter of the ACA resulted from a vision of a place where other artists would help nurture the creativity of their fledgling peers. The ACA is a Philadelphia-based international organization used to bring creative people together locally. \n"The American Creativity Association is the national organization of professionals in the field of creativity," the organization's mission statement reads. "Through its programs and services, it offers individuals and organizations opportunities for learning, professional development and networking. It is dedicated to enhancing the use of creativity throughout our society for the betterment of the human condition."\nTerry said the local chapter of the ACA has a specific goal unique to Bloomington. \n"The goal of the ACA is to help people using breakthrough thinking tools and techniques. We use them to help people get where they need to go," Terry said. "It is the only professional association to bring together practitioners and professionals in the field."\nAccording to the ACA Web site, the ACA membership is represented by four multidisciplinary societies: Business & Industry, Communications & the Arts, Education & Training and Science & Technology. To achieve its vision, the ACA provides forums to exchange ideas, fellowships and networking.\nThe association explores teaching the various steps of the creative problem-solving process. First, Terry said, one must identify the real problem at hand. Secondly, a surplus of ideas must be generated using various techniques. Terry addresses the act of brainstorming as the most mainstream method in society but acknowledges that there are many other constructive approaches. \n"Brainstorming is just one tool," she said. "There are tons of other useful methods."\nAfter selecting the best idea, Terry suggests questioning the method's potential success and identifying the impending obstacles.\n"When you are in the middle of a challenge, you must look at it from all angles," she said.\nIn addition to brainstorming, or "divergent thinking," the ACA emphasizes convergent thinking. This idea pulls various ideas together to analyze and solve problems in a more creative fashion, as opposed to more mathematical or scientific approaches.\nTerry encourages all types of people to explore the ACA, from students to professionals.\n"You don't have to be a Rembrandt," she said. "We don't all have the same amount of creativity, but we all have the ability to use it."\nThe group will be available to those 18 and older. Terry encourages college students to explore their options as members of the ACA.\n"If students want to start a student chapter, that would be wonderful," she said.\nThe first meeting will be held tonight at the Terry household, located at 515 W. Kirkwood Ave. \n"This is an invitation to all people who are interested and want more information," Terry said.\nOnce the chapter is on its feet, the plan is to meet about once a month with speakers and colleagues as an open forum to discuss creativity.\n-- Contact staff writer Teri \nRosenbaum at terosenb@indiana.edu.