Planning a memorable birthday event for someone you love can be a daunting task. Depending on who the loved one is, you may have limited options for what you can choose. When your loved one is an artist, you will likely need to think outside of the box to come up with a good plan.

As an artist, I am often bubbling with creative ideas for parties. I have always enjoyed hosting events at my home, and I like to think that I am skilled at being a great hostess. If you are planning a birthday for an artistic friend and you are looking for ideas, look no further because here are my…

6 Ways to Celebrate an Artist’s Birthday

1. Axe Throwing

   I love the environment of an axe throwing hall. The smell of freshly cut wood, and the sounds of a metal axe hitting a target in the midst of conversation and laughter is an inviting prospect. Axe throwing allows for an unconventional gathering of friends and family where skill and accuracy are required to win; perfect for your artist who thrives on such challenges.

2. Visit an aquarium, then close off the night with drinks at a Jazz club.

   If you live near Toronto, Canada, there is a fantastic aquarium located near Union Station called Ripley’s Aquarium (part of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not brand). Aquariums are a great place for an artist to visit on special occasions because it can help to encourage creativity. Being exposed to graceful fish and undersea creatures can encourage mental connections that lead to greater thought development.

   To make the night extra memorable, close off your trip to the aquarium with a visit to a venue that plays live jazz music. The vibrant environment of a jazz club is one that cannot be missed, as jazz music is scientifically proven to encourage productivity and mood. These are two benefits that will have your Artist over the moon and looking forward to diving in to their passions when the next opportunity arises.

3. Plan a board game night.

   Although board games often get a bad reputation; your artist will enjoy a planned tournament style birthday filled with ultra-competitive games that are easy to play. Now when I say easy, I’m talking snakes and ladders, or the card game “Speed” (my personal favourite). Any games that are low on complexity, can be extremely entertaining with the right people. With the right amount of skill, you will have your Artist happier than chips and dip!

4. Host a small gathering at a park that culminates in a scavenger hunt.

   This one is pretty self explanatory, but you can easily add a theme, costumes, or anything else you can think of to customize this idea for your Artist’s birthday event.

5. Rent a boat

   I have always wanted to do this: rent a boat, go fishing with 3 good friends, and record home-movie style video of the excursion while out on the water. The openness of water allows the party to feel unrestricted and a level of honesty is visited upon the group. If you like deep conversations with close friends on a retrospective occasion (like a birthday), this is definitely the way to do it.

6. Host a private paint night

   What better way to please your Artist by organizing a private paint night complete with a painting instructor? Drinks can be served, and at the end of the night, everyone goes home with their own finished work as a keepsake. What a great way to create memories!

I hope you enjoyed my 6 ways to celebrate an artist’s birthday- do you have unique ideas for birthdays that you have tried? Leave your comments in the section below, and thanks for stopping by.