How to make friends in new places (Charleston, Summerville: house, public schools)

[elainefin8]

Any ideas on how to meet some new people when living in the Charleston area? We are middle aged, hubby has a different kind of job, so he's not able to get out much. I'm an artist, looking for someone to pal around with.

Thanks for any help! E

[Global Friend]

Originally Posted by elainefin8

Any ideas on how to meet some new people when living in the Charleston area? We are middle aged, hubby has a different kind of job, so he's not able to get out much. I'm an artist, looking for someone to pal around with.

Thanks for any help! E

I don't live in that area but here are some ways to meet people, join a club, take a night course, volunteer, get a part time job in a restaurant or retail store. You said you're an artist, maybe you can teach a class at a local library, park or adult night school. Good luck.

[elainefin8]

Thanks for the ideas. I am working as a full time sub at the local highschool. Great fun, but mostly kids all day. I am still trying to get something working with the local institutions as far as teaching. There is a great deal of resistance to the idea.

There must be some groups, clubs, something out here for artists? Have you heard of anything?

I'm home for a week on the injured reserve list. Great time to do some more networking!

Thanks, Elaine

[Liz in North Augusta]

Any community, large or small, needs volunteers. There are always outreach programs for food distribution and such. Public schools always need responsible citizens to help with programs and in the office. The best part about volunteering is that there is such a diverse group involved. Also, check with the Chamber of Commerce to learn about art societies, garden clubs, and civic groups like the Lions Club, Rotary Club, etc. Churches are another source where volunteers are appreciated.

[FrankBarba]

Next time you are at the grocery store, walk up to someone and say "Hi How are You"? Start from there. I am sure you made friends before, you can do it again. I can be hired as a consultant. We will pal around & meet new friends. Once you feel you have enough relationships i will go no my way.

[jeschris]

Elaine,

I live in Summerville and Work in Mt. Pleasant. I am a financial professional and work with a lot of women and part of my job is meeting and networking with new people. I would recommend looking at the Charleston Regional Business Journal's Charitable Event Calendar. It has wonderful events posted monthly in Charleston. Last year they had a Female Artists night at the Aquarium to benefit a Local Charity. You could be a participant at an event like this or a guest and Meet females interested in what your interested in. I do know that there is an event on February First at the Rice House for Women Making a Difference (.Com) that is a membership drive. This may be an opportunity for you or the Center for Women C4W.com hosts many interested womens lunches. Hope that helps. Christi

[SusannaK]

A friend of mine is an artist and artists' model in Atlanta, and she's met other artists at sketch groups organized by museums and galleries. Check out some of the Charleston art galleries and ask around about sketching groups or what have you. With all the art in Charleston, there's got to be some.