Not even heavy downpour could keep rain soaked community members from the Cass County Library Monday evening.
Individuals from Cassopolis, Edwardsburg and Dowagiac gathered at the library’s main branch in Cassopolis for a painting class sponsored by the Cass Area Artists.
The class was taught by local artist and member of the Cass Area Artists Sharron Ott.
“The people who take this class should learn basic tools so that they can create their own artistic vision,” Ott said.
Both Ott and the president of Cass Area Artists Tom Rose said the class was designed for all ages, whether the painters are beginners or seasoned professionals.
While this class was attended solely by adults, it did have a range of skill sets among the participants.
Kim Sawyer, an Edwardsburg teacher, is a beginner at painting, but hopes to learn enough from the class to paint some seascapes to display in her bathroom.
“I’m always looking to continue my education,” Sawyer said.
On the other end of the spectrum, Bill Niemann, of Edwardsburg, has always enjoyed painting and considers himself skilled, but hasn not had the opportunity to paint in over two years, which is why he is excited for the art class.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a class like this advertised,” Niemann said. “I need something to keep me painting. If I don’t have a reason to keep painting, then I won’t. I’m hoping this will become my muse.”
In between Sawyer and Niemann on the skill scale sits Judy Rodriguez, a Dowagiac hairstylist, who has been painting since she was a child, but still thinks she has a lot to learn from the class.
“I think this will be a really fun opportunity,” Rodriguez said.
Monday’s class was the first in a six-week painting class series. The cost of the class is $12 per class, per person. For those who cannot participate in every class, take-home packets will be provided to fill in students on what they have missed.
“People can come and go as they please,” Ott said. “We have an open door policy. We don’t even have preregistration, because it can create pressure.”
Ott and the Cass Area Artists recently completed a drawing course at the library, the success of which they are basing their expectations for the painting classes on.
“The drawing classes had between six and 10 students a night,” Ott said. “Those students surpassed the point where I thought they would end up.”
Community art classes like this one are important to the community, Ott said.
“We are really trying to fill a void in the community in learning art, especially with there not being much art in the schools right now,” Ott said. “For adults, this gives us some happiness and enjoyment in our lives. It gives us something to do for ourselves, and that’s important.”