“Artists of the Met” sounds exclusive. But Jessie Salinas, a rising School of Art junior, has found a generous way to make anyone fit into that rarefied cohort. This summer marks the second anniversary of a weekly gathering he generates via an @artistsofthemet Instagram account. Anyone who shows up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the designated time will meet other like-minded folks who wander around the galleries drawing or painting the works they encounter.

“Often the drawing experience is a solo act but with so many other artists working in the same space, I wanted to find a way to bring them together,” Jessie says. The idea germinated while regularly meeting his friend for open-to-close, 10-hour drawing sessions at the museum. “With each visit, we met new artists and had inspiring interactions with diverse visitors. It’s very common for museumgoers to snap a photo of you or lean over to get a closer look at your work. I saw this behavior and figured, ‘Let's give them more’ on both ends for the artists and the visitors. I saw the opportunity to get artists exposure and work by being part of a community where everyone can connect and share.”

Jessie says the group has drawn all ages, from 9 to 84, and many demographics. “Experiencing how other artists work, see and share is a major part of what this project provides. Discussing our art and its processes has helped others and myself in exploring new modes of creation. This is the impact I want to make available to anyone who shares our adventure.”

Artists of the Met meets weekends at different times. Watch the Instagram account for details. This summer they plan on branching out to visit other museums and public parks.