The Jones family.
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These moms aren't desperate housewives. They are artsy.
Murfreesboro mom Mandy Jones, a self-proclaimed "weirdo" who says she doesn't usually fit in with other mothers, came up with the idea of forming a group for mothers like her — mothers interested in pursuing their art or learning something new without sacrificing time with their children and without paying for childcare.
Any mom — whether she stays at home or works full-time outside of the home — with an interest in creating and their children are welcome, Jones said.
"As an artist, it is incredibly important to have a medium for art or something in you simply dies," she said as she talked about Artsy Mamas, her kids in tow, at the train station in the Murfreesboro Books-A-Million. "When you become a mom it is so hard to express that with your kids at home and not wanting to leave your kids with someone."
Expression of that artistic talent builds self-esteem within mothers, Jones said, which helps them be better moms.
Jones, a theater enthusiast and stay-at-home mom, is not someone many would call the quintessential artsy mom. For her, it is more of a way of life rather than just a dabbling in crafts in-between the changing of her children's diapers.
She wears a colorful bandana on her head, slightly retro eyeglasses and an extremely colorful and also retro dress or skirt on daily outings with her two small and mostly well-behaved children, Ronin, 16 months, and Hunter, 3.
Motherhood — as for many other mothers — was a learning process for Jones.
"It is hectic," she said laughing. "It is dueling poops sometimes."
Jones, who is nearly 30, said being a mother wasn't as fulfilling for her until she started networking with other mothers, but that still mostly consisted of play dates for her children and not for her.
"I didn't see why you couldn't have a mom's group with a purpose," Jones said especially when so many moms lose themselves after having children.
Jones said mothers don't have to sacrifice themselves to be a good mom. Continuing to indulge in what makes them happy actually makes them happier and better moms.
In just the past few months, Jones said moms have started coming out of the woodwork and are interested in joining the group. She already has members living throughout Rutherford and Davidson counties.
Artsy Mamas has member moms with interest in knitting, singing, printmaking, writing, painting, jewelry making, scrap booking, graphic design and acting.
Angel Norman, mother of 2-1/2-year-old Nicholas, considers herself crafty rather than artsy. Norman, of Smyrna, met Jones on a play date in November, and they have been pretty good friends ever since.
"Having a small child, you can hardly find the time to be the way you were before the birth," she said. A friend like Jones and the Artsy Mamas group has motivated her to do the things she enjoyed before she had her son.
"That adult connection with other people who understand you makes a phenomenal difference in your life," Norman said.
Jones came up with the idea for Artsy Mamas after having to forgo plans to audition for a local play at the last minute when her husband, Michael, got sick and couldn't look after the children.
She soon started brainstorming with other moms she knows.
"We have found there are so many artistic moms out there, but there isn't a place for moms to do art with their kids in tow," Jones said.
She did searches on the Internet and couldn't find any group like what she is working to get off the ground.
When Artsy Mamas is up and running, Jones envisions, that member moms will teach other moms their art or craft of interest with a different "expert mom" featured each month. These classes would be taught at the featured mom's house or community center.
"My eventual goal is to have an outreach program to teach intercity mothers," Jones said. She is humbled and overwhelmed that she is already being able to give moms a needed outlet to express themselves creatively that she wants to continue to give back.
Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com.
FYI…
A general interest meeting for Artsy Mamas is slated for June 2 at 10 a.m. at Cornerstone Cheesecake & Gifts at 211 Robert Rose Blvd, which is operated by fellow artsy mom, Candy Dukes.
Call Mandy Jones, Artsy Mamas founder, at 907-8084 for more information.
On the Web:
www.theartsymamas.com
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