Creative outlet
By Joey Berlin
Originally published 12:14 p.m., February 25, 2008
Updated 12:14 p.m., February 25, 2008
Bonding doesn’t always require words. Sometimes, it’s just nice to have silent company from people doing the same thing you are.
Wednesday mornings at the Emporia Arts Council are a time for a small group of women to get together and create art in whatever medium they choose, whether it be watercolors, pencil drawing or chalk. The ladies in the Flint Hills Art Guild sit around a square table in an arts council classroom, and with low-volume music and few words spoken, they just work.
It’s an experience fulfilling enough that one member of the group drives in from Council Grove each Wednesday morning, even in bad weather, to be part of it.
“It’s just a period of time that you just paint, and that’s what’s nice about it,” said Lois Froelich, a retired art teacher. “We really don’t talk a lot or anything when we come.”
The guild had painted at the Emporia Recreation Center for a long time before moving to the arts council last year. This summer, the arts council will hold the group’s annual art show.
Arts Council Executive Director Melissa Windsor said there was room for others to join the group, which is an informal gathering rather than a club.
“It’s just something if you enjoy painting and want to be in a different environment outside your home ... it’s a place where you come to relax and paint and get lost in your art,” she said.
Sharon Morrisey had a stroke 10 years ago while living in Wentzville, Mo., and retired from her job at General Motors. She lost the use of much of the left side of her body as a result of the stroke, but she’s able to use her right side to continue to satisfy her love of watercolor art.
“It is a release, because I can get involved in the painting and forget about the fact that I can’t use this hand, and that when I walk, I take the risk of falling, and things like that,” she said. “And also, when I come down here, I can be with people that are so nice, and they will help me. ... That camaraderie is very fulfilling.”
Marita Bolson’s drive from Council Grove each week has a lot to do with the fact that she has chores and other obligations to worry about at home which take away from her time to paint or chalk.
“If you come here, why, people can’t reach you,” she said. “... It’s a good hiding hole is what it is.”
When there is talk among the group it often involves members asking for and receiving advice on their work.
“I just got through with this,” said Froelich, showing a painting of a couple displayed in a photograph she had brought, “and I said, ‘Is it finished, do I need to put a background?’ And they all agreed that we didn’t need it, so that was it. So we kind of critique each other and offer suggestions when anybody wants them.”
If the arts council is able to secure the funding for its planned new center north of the Granada Theatre, the new building is slated to have naturally lit classrooms on its second floor. Windsor believes one of those rooms would become the Flint Hills Art Guild’s new home.
“Wonderful space, definitely more space than what we have currently to hold more people or to give them more room,” she said. “There may be a few more storage options if they needed to leave some items at the arts center.”
The group’s art show will run from June 17 to July 5.
appaloosa (anonymous) says...
Good article.
I really like how the article emphasizes camaderie through sharing similar interests, particularly through art. I think life would be pretty stark without it!
Best regards,
Kim C.
Montreal, CANADA
February 26, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )