Water coloring takes time, and so does finding a teacher.
At Vesper Hall in Blue Springs, both facts are painfully true.
“Yes, we need one,” Edie Kerr, who works at the senior citizen center part time, said simply. “It would help with a lot of things.”
Like... well, teaching, for one.
Most of the dozen or so people who show up each Thursday admit that they need some kind of guidance. But that may not be as obvious as one might think.
Don Blevins of Blue Springs showed some of his work to group members last week, about three weeks before the Blue Springs 32nd Annual Fine Art Show on March 19 and 20.
The drawings, vibrant depictions of wild flowers, are a step in a different direction for Blevins, who usually attempts an artistic capture of buildings – farm houses, sometimes boats, sea shores. The new drawings are his attempt at straying off the path he has long worn with his brush.
“I wanted to do something different,” he said.
Usually the first one at the Thursday session, Blevins commits himself to water coloring throughout the week. It’s something to pass the time, to keep sharp.
“It’s hard, it can be really hard, but it’s a good time,” he said.
Blevins plans to enter two pieces into the contest, as do most of his other classmates. When they show up each week, there is a ruckus as greetings are exchanged and people are hugged.
One woman, Norma Marshall of Oak Grove, recently published a book of poems. In addition to being an author, she’s also a juried artist, specifically for her enamel jewelry.
“It’s a nice support group here,” she said, passing out her book.
A former elementary school art teacher, Marshall sees the value of having one – and not having one.
“It would be good, but... I like it without one as well.”
Marshall will submit two pieces of her work in the art show, too. Lorraine Schnarre of Blue Springs was the center of attention last week. Unveiling a newly completed work – a sketch of a family cat – has dropped some jaws.
“And she hasn’t been doing it that long,” someone said.
The deadline to register for the annual art show is Friday. The cost is $35 for two submitted pieces, but admission is free to the public.
Artist registration forms are available at the Vesper Hall information desk (400 N.W. Vesper St.), Blue Springs Parks and Recreation desk (City Hall, 903 Main St.) and both Blue Springs Mid-Continent library branches, (850 N.W. Hunter Drive and 2220 Missouri 7).
For more information about the event or to volunteer as a teacher call Vesper Hall at 228-0181.
Blue Springs, MO —
