Local Arts Center Offers Weekend Workshops
The Chestnut Center for the Arts is offering a variety of weekend workshops and lectures throughout the next several weeks. From highlighting the works of Norman Rockwell to a socializing event featuring Coffee and Canvas, a broad range of topics is being offered.
Encouraging the community to support the broad field of art is important to the lecturers. Marshfield resident and instructor, Jason Cole, understands this firsthand.
“I do not see creativity as a frivolous hobby. I see the arts as a way to develop critical thinking skills. I think any community that wants to build its critical thinking should also be engaged in the creative arts,” said Cole.
Cole is bringing his background in illustration with an interactive workshop involving Norman Rockwell on Friday, January 27th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Rockwell is known for creating more than 200 covers for the Saturday Evening Post.
“There is no better person to break the barrier between illustration and those who are not familiar with the field than Norman Rockwell,” said Cole. “There is an appeal to his work that is not bound to the field of illustration. His images tap into memories that we are all familiar with.”
Throughout his presentation, Cole welcomes audience participation and sees this as a building block towards other areas of interest. “Through Norman, I am hoping to open up a dialogue with the community. I am thrilled by the creative experiences and opportunities that the Chestnut Center for the Arts is providing to the community.”
An additional workshop that extends the invitation to socialize is Saturday Morning Coffee and Canvas hosted by Sarah Pritzl. The cost is $40 and includes coffee, snacks, and supplies. Sign up with friends and be prepared to have some fun.
The Chestnut Center’s Executive Director, Adam Smrcka, offers a lecture and demonstration on pottery. The lecture will focus on Asian-inspired pottery, firing techniques, and the importance of social media showcasing art.
Smrcka is taking an active role with his lecture, as it is his goal to unite as well as promote. “Our art center needs to be a community gathering place, a place that is supported by individuals, businesses and families in this community,” said Smrcka.
Local artists Gene Wesley and Clyde Wynia will each host a lecture based on murals and displays around Marshfield. Wesley has created work such as The Marilyn Hardacre Park on Main Street Marshfield, as well as several other murals around town. Wynia has created many metal works that are displayed and is widely known for founding and operating Jurustic Park.
For more information or to sign up to attend, please contact the Chestnut Center at 715-389-8999.
