By Marilyn Delk
DCCA News
Darke County Center for the Arts’ Artistic Director of Visual Arts Jennifer Overholser is busily planning—well, a whole bunch of things. She keeps busy as overseer of the fairly new and ever-expanding Art Trail, while also coordinating events and exhibits in the Anna Bier Gallery where she is offering a broad variety of art workshops for those of all ages, classes which she promises will be fun and fulfilling experiences for all involved.
The first of these exciting events, a free-form creative session for 8 to 12 year olds, was held this past Tuesday, but more opportunity for artistic adventure awaits before this year ends. On Saturday, September 21 from noon to 2 p.m., St. Marys artist Debbie Gregory will teach the grid method to students 14 years of age and over; cost for this class is $30. The grid method is used to replicate an image by breaking the scene into equally-sized squares, then creating an enlarged grid on the surface on which the art work will be created. Practitioners of this technique include Leonardo da Vinci and Johannes Vermeer; current artists often utilize this method to paint a reproduction of a photographic image.
Debbie Gregory, who uses oils, watercolor, acrylics, and pastels in her creations, finds each medium to be an aggravation, a joy, and a challenge, and at times likes to “just push paint around and see where it lands.” But she truly loves preserving places or moments in time that will someday no longer exist. “There is so much out there that deserves to be remembered, and if I can do that via my art, that is what I shall continue to do,” she says. All materials needed for this class will will be provided, including a landscape photo for students’ reference while creating their own 9 x 12 acrylic painting
On Tuesday, October 8 from 6 to 8 p.m., students 14 and over will learn how to let their creative juices flow to create their own masterpiece by simply pouring paint. Jennifer Overholser, who will be leading this session, promises that this technique can be utilized by students at all skill levels including those who believe they have no artistic skills; participants will learn how to mix and manipulate the paints to create a stunning abstract design that they will take home with them. All materials are included for this class which costs $30.
The art of St. Henry native Angie Siefring, who now resides in the Columbus area, will be on display in the Anna Bier Gallery October 4 through November 1. Angie says that in her work she tries to convey “feelings inspired by the beautiful light that surrounds us in nature,” creating paintings that burst with color as well as expression. On Saturday, October 12, Angie will lead a plein aire workshop, beginning with an artist’s demonstration at 9 a.m. followed by individual instruction for participants as they create artistic work using their own supplies from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. Artists hoping to improve their skills while painting outdoors in autumn will definitely enjoy this exciting opportunity.
Just in time for Halloween, the Anna Bier Gallery will host a mask decorating workshop for 8- to 15-year old students on Monday, October 28 from 6 to 7 p.m. All needed materials will be provided to create a spooky, funny, whimsical, or cute one-of-a-kind mask to take home; Jennifer Overholser will lead this highly appealing class. Class fee is $10.
With the exception of the plein aire workshop which will be held on the expansive lawn at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall, all classes will take place in the Anna Bier Gallery (located indoors at St. Clair Memorial Hall.) For more information or to register for a class, contact Jennifer at [email protected] or by calling 440-813-0367 or register on-line at www.darkecountyarts.org/annabiergallery.
