As a staff member in the Fine and Performing Arts department at the Emilson Y, I always take pride in the programming we offer, whether I am involved in said program or not. Recently I had the amazing opportunity to participate in a Cork and Canvas event offered by our Fine Arts Coordinator, Beth Gilmore, and I was simply blown away.
Having known Beth for a number of years, and even sharing an office since the opening of Laura's Center for the Arts about a year ago, I knew that Beth was both an accomplished artists and a thoughtful, articulate educator. Having seen her working with the campers, students and community members that participate in our classes and events I thought I knew what it would be like to be on the other side. My expectations were far exceeded.
If you are unfamiliar with our Cork and Canvas events, the basic idea is wine and painting. The instructor walks the class through recreating an original painting step by step. I do not have any painting ability and I certainly didn't leave with a museum worthy work, but let me tell you, my mother wants in hanging in her living room!
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| During our first break to allow the paint to dry! |
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One of the most amazing things was walking around and seeing the way the other people in the class interpreted the same instruction. There was no pressure to be
right, and when that pressure was eliminated it made it easy to sit back, enjoy a glass of wine, and have a blast. Beth's cheesy jokes and effortlessly casual demeanor made it feel like everyone in the room had known each other for years, providing the perfect environment to allow our muses to mingle.
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| The finished product |
It was amazing to be on the other side of a class, especially with someone who I have spent so much time working and growing with. We even had a chance to snap a great picture.
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| It MAY be good enough for a museum...What do you think? |
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