Holbrook
I have always loved trying new types of art. I remember being so excited in Girl Scouts whenever we had a new craft to create, or in art class when we learned about a new medium.
As I’ve grown into adulthood, I get such a thrill of walking through craft stores to see what kinds of new art supplies or craft kits are available. I’ve enjoyed playing around with watercolors, making needle-felted creations, designing ornaments on the Glowforge, creating wired jewelry, learning how to solder silver and trying my hand at punch needle just to name a few. I’m not always great at all of these, and some do not develop into loves, but the exploration and creative variety has always appealed to me.
This general love of learning about different types of art has been well nurtured with Greenwood Public Library’s Maker in Residence program. We’ve been fortunate at GPL to host three previous Makers in Residence in our Studio Makerspace. Each of these artists has brought us classes and demonstrations from a variety of art forms. Dianna Porter was our inaugural Maker in Residence in April 2023 and helped us celebrate the art of watercolor. It was such a joy to watch her as she worked on creating illustrations for a children’s book.
Dianna was followed by Sonja Lehman who introduced us to some beautiful paper art. While I’ve had some experience with origami, none of it compares to the intricate designs Sonja creates with paper. Watching her take such humble materials and create stunning boxes and luminaries was truly inspiring!
Earlier this year The Studio Makerspace celebrated fiber arts as local artist Carole Ricketts Corey offered a series of classes on spinning yarn and fiber dyeing. Carole even brought in a few of her angora rabbits to talk about how she uses their fur to create soft and vibrant yarns. I was terrible at yarn spinning, but I loved that I had the opportunity to learn about this craft.
The inspiration isn’t over yet though! We’re so excited to be celebrating yet another art form this September. Greenwood native Patty Coulter will be in The Studio offering calligraphy classes and demonstrations.
Calligraphy may often be thought of with wedding invitations or special announcements, but Patty Coulter has used her calligraphy skills in her artwork to create some beautiful designs. During September Patty will be offering her Beginning Calligraphy class multiple times throughout the month. Each class will be kept small so each participant will be able to have plenty of hands-on help from our Maker in Residence as they work to perfect the proper technique. After taking Patty’s Beginning Calligraphy class, those interested in expanding their knowledge can sign up for her Intermediate Calligraphy class where they can continue to practice the art.
Art seems to have an endless supply of inspiration and innovation, and I love that The Studio Makerspace at GPL offers a place for local artists of all skill levels to come together. I hope to see you this September at one of our Maker in Residence classes! Be sure to visit GPL’s website at greenwoodlibrary.us/MakerInResidence to learn more about our Makers and to sign up for upcoming classes. Let’s be inspired together!
Valerie Holbrook is the marketing specialist at Greenwood Public Library. GPL staff members share in writing this twice monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
