Burgeoning East Bay artist finds new community calling
Samineh Hamidi Perryman has been interested in art and teaching for as far back as she can remember.
“When my dream of teaching first became reality, I was so excited to use my passion for art to decorate my classroom and celebrate my students’ creativity,” says Perryman, who moved to Walnut Creek from Iran when she was 9.
Perryman currently works with students who have special needs. “These exceptional young people have opened my eyes to a whole new world of love, innocence and purity.”
Rekindling the artistic spirit
She spent several years pouring all her creativity into the classroom. But recently, she started looking for ways to rekindle her own artistic spirit. She came up with an idea to make “Windows of Creativity,” which are tabletop dioramas using branches, found objects and miniatures to tell a story. Her custom assemblages feature people’s favorite hobbies and other personal themes.
“After making my first few windows for friends, I was able to sell 12 more fairly quickly,” she notes. “It’s so exciting to not only make art, but sell it, too. Dreams do come true.”
Perryman believes art has the power to bring people together and help build community.
“It enhances our lives in so many ways. Art gives me reasons to step outside my comfort zone and experience new things,” she says.
Concord Utility box art project
After learning about the Concord Art Association (CAA), she joined and displayed some of her windows in member exhibits. Then one of her very first acrylic paintings was accepted for CAA’s utility box public art project in downtown Concord.
“I was so honored to be part of this city beautification project, and I’ve made some wonderful friends through the art association,” Perryman says.
She took her new relationships a step further and joined CAA’s board of directors to take a more active role in building community through the arts in Concord.
With so many festivals, art exhibits and other events canceled for the rest of this year due to COVID-19 concerns, the CAA board is working hard to develop more virtual opportunities for members and the community at large to enjoy art.
Online painting demonstrations
“I love posting art news on Instagram for CAA, and I’m thrilled to be conducting my first online painting demonstration for members via Zoom on Aug. 11,” Perryman says.
CAA sponsors a free art class each month. Check the city of Concord’s Facebook page for the city’s Concord Live! At Home series. The group also partnered with Wren Avenue Elementary to teach kids art classes in July via CAA’s Facebook page.
Follow CAA on Instagram @weheartconcordart. Visit concordartassociation.org to see more dates for inspiring online lectures and demonstrations, as well as plenty of new work from members and details about membership. They welcome anyone who makes art, loves art or just wants to support local artists.
Lisa Fulmer is a marketing consultant, published author and a community arts advocate.