Week 4

For the past couple weeks while attending the open studio time at The Art Experience, I have had the opportunity to see how people have the chance to be a part of an art community. Open studio allows for people of all different backgrounds to come and explore different areas of art. People come to talk about what they want to create, how they should create the piece, and to talk among each other. The studio time provides people with the opportunity to explore, yet, meet new people.

While starting to participate in the open studios, I have come to meet two of the artists that regularly attend, Katie and Renard. Both these artists create some of the most fascinating artwork.

Renard is the Artist in resident at the Art Experience and comes everyday to produce work. He creates work that is more abstract based. He uses a technique where he creates the piece while using oil pastel to draw then creates a color contrast with watercolor. Renard is an artist that has autism; yet, he uses his artistic ability to share his interests. Creating art allows him to interact with others while providing him with the ability to express himself. The color he uses creates a happiness and bright look onto life. Renard always appears happy while he creates, and provides an inspiration.

Katie creates work of many different variations. The first week I meet her she was working on a painting of trees. Recently, she created a display box where on top the painting was displayed, and when you opened the box, another painting was visible. Katie also uses art in a therapeutic way to help express what she would like to say. Art allows her to explore her creativity while providing a community.

Yet, even though The Art Experience has regular attendance, there are always new people coming that are interested in exploring their interest in the arts.

Recently, a couple came on Valentines Day as date. Both used a variation of materials to produce a piece for each other. Being around, one can tell that they were uncomfortable to the foreign materials, but after a small amount of time, both were able to let go. Their fear subsided, and they allowed the idea of fun to play a part in what they were doing.

What I enjoy about the Art Experience is the fact that people from all different backgrounds come to practice art. They come to discover something new. It’s enjoyable to see the community that has been created. By allowing people to come and produce art, it creates freedom. People have the ability to focus on new ideas.

Additionally, being an artist means not only creating but distinguishing the potential in others so that the beauty of art may continue to those all around. Art addresses concerns while creating a connection while also stimulating an ongoing dialogue among people.