Drawing class draws more than 70 participants
Published 1:27 pm Thursday, April 6, 2017
The Cass Area Artists are wrapping up a six-week drawing class.
The local artist group has joined with the Greater Niles Federal Credit Union, Porky’s Party Palace in Cassopolis, along with the Cass District Library to present the class, which runs through April 10.
Artist and teacher Sharron Ott-Bartemio, of Dowagiac, a member of the Cass Area Artists, has been leading the class, which is for both children and adults. She is also the visual arts organizer for Dowagiac’s Dogwood Fine Arts Festival.
Thanks to sponsor donations, the class has been free for children to participate.
“One of the founding missions of the Cass Area Artists has been education, and the search for a teacher has been a long journey,” said Tom Rose, director of the Cass Area Artists. “Sharron Ott-Bartemio became a member of the CAA in 2016 and her background as a professional artist and art teacher blended well with the original goals of the art group, and those of the Cass District Library.
“Sharron agreed to start with a six-week drawing class, since, in addition to being a valuable life skill, it is also a solid foundation for further art work such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital prints and more.”
The first class, which drew 32 adults and 39 students, was designed for people who felt they cannot draw or did not know where to begin.
“She taught me many techniques to apply, not just to art but to the world around me as well,” said Kati Rzepka, one of Ott-Bartemio’s past students. “This course starts with the fundamentals and most often develops the imagination and abilities of participants beyond what they thought was possible.”
The class has been so successful, Rose said an additional adult drawing class had been added at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and will run through May 22.
“Depending upon the interest of the participants, classes may include other media in addition to drawing,” he said. “Beginners and advanced students alike are welcome, especially those who feel they can’t even draw a stick man.”
Rose is one of those who felt he could not draw, but participating in the classes has given him a newfound confidence.
“Sharron provides drawing exercises that help you accomplish things that you thought you would not be able to do,” he said.
Rose added that in addition to art, the class is helpful with drawing skills to help individuals in construction, industry, science, general trades and the liberal arts.
“Persons who can draw have an easier time forming and communicating their ideas, and an opportunity to learn this skill is an opportunity for a better life,” he said.