What may be most surprising to note is that according to www.creativeclass.org, the Bloomington-Normal area is actually ranked in the top 1 percent nationally with a workforce in the creative class.

That workforce could include a wide range of professions, everything from doctors to insurance agents, according to Doug Johnson, Executive Director of the McLean County Arts Center. No matter what their occupations, these people need an outlet to refuel or exercise those creative energies. That's where a growing number of local businesses and groups come in - from the local community theater and music groups to businesses like Studio 222 and Fired Up

While these businesses agree that more creative venues are available in the Twin Cities, they stress that people need to frequent those businesses and venues to continue to grow the arts throughout the community.

McLean County Arts Center

To Johnson, the McLean County Arts Center in downtown Bloomington is like a refueling station for those who use their creative energies when it comes to their professions, whether as a doctor, artist or even an insurance agent.

"Our exhibitions and classes help expand people's visions, and for many people, creative energies are necessary to be successful," said Johnson.

Johnson said everyone from doctors to workers from State Farm come to the arts center as an outlet to recharge their creativity, which they can then take out and incorporate into their jobs.

The McLean County Arts Center has much to offer: Art classes for children and adults; rotating art exhibitions in two galleries; a gift shop featuring work by local artists; artist receptions and openings; special events, lectures and workshops. Each component offers another fun way that keeps this creative business working.

Studio 222

Phil Donelson, owner of Studio 222 in Bloomington's cultural district said businesses of culture show the depths of a community, but said it is tough to get people out to experience the creative outlets available in the area.

"More and more people need to start using businesses such as Studio 222 as an outlet. With all the white collar, education and culture here, people need to realize that there are more art venues and music venues besides bars," said Donelson.

Donelson said one way he has been able to draw more to his businesses is by incorporating it into other offerings, such as opening his gallery to meetings, receptions, mixers and more.

"This opens up the space to a whole new audience who wouldn't normally come see the art, and it gives them exposure to our programs," said Donelson. "I think if the downtown would blossom more and if businesses would just hang on, our creative businesses would only continue to grow."

Donelson wishes that people wouldn't always think of art galleries as being elite, and think of them as more of a norm.

"When you are going out to dinner as a family, first come visit the gallery, bring the kids and let them experience it before moving on to other things," said Donelson. "You don't know what this could inspire."

Located in downtown Bloomington's cultural district, Studio222 showcases more than 40 local and regional artists. The impressive works are featured in a 3,800 square foot gallery with a cool and inviting essence.

McLean County Dance Association

Co-Director of the McLean County Dance Association Terri Miller said they pride themselves on great teachers and instructors, who don't just focus on a recital at year's end. The instructors emphasize technique, which makes their creativity work, and is a different way to showcase dance, a popular art form in the Twin Cities.

"I think creative business in Bloomington-Normal is growing with all the different performance venues. More venues definitely means more performances," said Miller. "I think what makes our creative business work is that we are different in being technique based. It shows how much we care about what are students are learning on a daily basis."

The McLean County Dance Association offers a harmonious, diverse environment that fosters creativity and appreciation of the art of dance.

According to their Web site, the association's students achieve their personal goals through the support and commitment of highly trained teachers. The Association makes dance available to all, and through lecture-demonstrations and performances, strives to educate and entertain the community, which shows what an important creative business the association is.

Fired Up

Fired Up, formerly 2 Pals Pottery in downtown Bloomington, is a fun creative business that allows people to break out of their shells and out of the norm for an evening or afternoon, according to store employee Kjerstine Jackson.

At Fired Up, customers can come in and paint their own pottery, and the studio offers numerous special programs like margarita nights, when you bring in margaritas and then paint a margarita pitcher.

"A large majority of our customers are first-timers who may not feel comfortable their first time trying, but it's a relaxing atmosphere that definitely leaves lots of room for creativity," said Jackson.

According to their Web site, Fired Up is a relaxing, inspiring place to gather and create to transform a vision into beautiful, practical works of art.

Those who visit Fired Up can select from the finest bisque and the most vibrant palette of colors available, create simple classic patterns or more elaborate designs with materials and guidance provided. Finally, the staff of Fired Up expertly glazes and fires the pieces to achieve a beautiful and durable finish-ready to pick up in about a week.

Kindermusik®/Music Connections

Katie Henderson, owner of Music Connections, offers Kindersmusik® programs to over 400 children and their families, and said what has been helpful in her business is that to be creative is to make something out of nothing.

In other words, Henderson has no expectations for the children in the Kindermusik® program, taking the emphasis off performances, and letting the children live in the moment.

"Adults live in such a performance based world, but when they come with their children to Kindermusik®, there are no expectations to perform, it's just all about being with their children. We want everyone to come to the table with openness and know that it's okay to express themselves," said Henderson. "I laugh and cry at least once a week in class, and many don't realize that is a physical benefit as it actually is known to reduce stress."

Henderson said having an environment of possibility rather than performance has definitely helped make the business work, as has all the relationships that have been built through Music Connections.

"Word of mouth for our business has just been incredible, we now have a family of over 400 kids who want to be there and wouldn't miss it for the world," said Henderson. "Every child has a song in their hearts, and we are just the facilitators."

Music Connections of Bloomington-Normal offers a full program of Kindermusik ®, the leading music and movement program for children newborn through seven years old. Henderson began teaching Kindermusik classes in the Bloomington-Normal area in the fall of 1994 with just 28 students and now has well over 400 in the various programs offered.

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For More Information:

McLean County Arts Center: http://www.mcac.org

McLean County Dance Association: http://www.mcleancountydance.org

Studio222: http://www.artstudio222.com

Fired Up: http://www.firedupstudios.biz

Music Connections: http://www.musicconnections.net