Local artists have stayed busy teaching others
CONCORD, CA—As incredibly difficult as this year has been, the Concord Art Association (CAA) was still able to deliver a wide variety of fun, creative experiences to not only its member artists but also to our community at large.
In spite of not being able to network and socialize in person at monthly meetings (which have historically been held at the Concord Library), members had plenty of Zoom time with each other to share news and show off their latest work. They’ve also watched at least a dozen inspiring demos from local artists to learn new techniques, including Heather Martin’s delightful ways with gouache, Anamilena Ayala’s creative collage style, mixed media mark-making with Colleen Gianatiempo and Samantha McNally’s watercolor painting methods.
CAA is regularly featured on the city of Concord’s free Facebook Live webcasts with art and craft classes taught by members. You can watch the replays to learn how to make paint-stamped paper leaves, start an art journal, create a holiday wreath and much more.
Kids from Wren Avenue Elementary School have also been enjoying a variety of online art classes taught by CAA members. Everyone is welcome to gather ’round the laptop to watch Wren’s summer series on CAA’s Facebook page. Choose from mandala drawing, pointillism on rocks or even painting a picture with a balloon instead of a brush. CAA will continue to offer art classes to the Wren students on Zoom each month for the rest of the school year, in conjunction with the PTA.
Artists who have missed being able to travel for plein air painting can do so virtually on the CAA blog, courtesy of member Pat McDermont. She has shared a wealth of her own paint-worthy photos from past travels to places like Lake Tahoe, Half Moon Bay and several national parks.
Stay tuned
Coming up in 2021, stay tuned for interviews with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District teachers who were awarded small grants from CAA for their classroom art projects, as well as news about kids art camps at the Monument Crisis Center. Don’t forget to watch this space for updates on CAA’s second round of painting Concord utility boxes, too.
No matter what your artistic style or skill level, everyone is welcome to join the Concord Art Association – a nonprofit organization founded in 1963. Two of the biggest benefits for members are being able to participate when CAA puts out a call for artists and selling your artwork online or in group shows.
Beginners and “I’m not an artist” types are especially encouraged to join. If you like the idea of being creative or if you think you’re not quite as creative as you want to be, you’ll get so much for just $35 per year. Meet new people, learn new things, enjoy giant doses of positivity and be part of something wonderful.
Visit concordartassociation.com for Lisa Fulmer is a marketing consultant, published author and a community arts advocate.