Art is another way to tell a story, whether it’s something historical or an artist’s unique perspective on a certain topic.
With a community full of creative people, there’s almost always something to do or see. Here are some upcoming art events that can introduce you to a variety of mediums.
Tapestry of Dreams
From now through Oct. 27, the Leesburg Center for the Arts is hosting a Tapestry of Dreams exhibition. The exhibition features the work of six members of the Women Artists Group and ties together concepts of vivid colors and visual curiosity to depict dream realms.
The group was formed in 2015 by Marianna Hamilton Ross to encourage and support each member’s individual growth, and members work together to create themes and find possible exhibition venues.
Beatrice Athanas, Eliza Pineau Casler, Bonnie Shapiro, Deborah B. Smith, Lillian Verkins and Ross are each displaying a variety of works that, when pieced together, form a full picture during the exhibition.
“Once that (theme) is decided then we work by ourselves to create pieces which individually fit into that theme,” Verkins said. “When it comes close to the show, we meet and help each other if needed.” The exhibit opened Friday and is available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.The artists said the public will be drawn to the diversity of voices, subject matters and mediums in the exhibit.
“From historical figures like Amelia Earhart and Clara Schumann to personal reflections and landscapes, there is something for everyone to connect with,” said Athanas, an German-born artist now living in Central Florida. “The variety allows visitors to experience different facets of dreams — whether it’s ambition, memory or cultural heritage — through evocative imagery.”
For more information, visit leesburgarts.com.
Harp Music Show
Those who are more musically inclined can hear from a master during the Harp Music Show.
Gary Garritan, founder of Garritan Corporation and director of instrumental sciences at MakeMusic, performs at The Villages Public Library at Belvedere on Sept. 25. The show is free, but it does require advanced registration.
Garritan has enjoyed the harp since his early childhood and received many lessons throughout his life.
“I studied privately with some of the best harpists — jazz harp with Daphne Hellman, pop harp with Dwayne Fulton, South American harp with Atahualpa Poalasín and took some country harp lessons with Louise Trotter,” he said on Garritan.com.
After performing some top hits on the harp at the library, Garritan will engage in a discussion about what he calls the “instrument of angels.”To register for one of the 30 seats for the program, visit sumtercounty.librarycalendar.com.
Kid’s Art Wednesday Program
Continuing with a successful program that works to cultivate a love of arts and crafts in local youth, the Lake County Museum of Art is returning with its Kid’s Art Wednesday program.
“We’ve been getting amazing feedback from both parents and students,” said Ileanne Buigas, executive director of the museum. “The kids leave our classes happy and excited to show off their artwork, and many parents have noticed their children’s enthusiasm for coming to class and the progress they’re making in their creativity. We’ve even had several requests to add more classes, which shows me that we’re really making a positive impact.”
Students who are 6 to 18 years old are invited to the museum to explore different art forms and let their imagination run wild while they create.They work on one or two different art projects each week using supplies including pencils, paint, clay, yarn, tiles and more.
“For example, this week our young artists painted pumpkins on canvas using colors they mixed themselves,” said Buigas. “In previous classes, they’ve made beautiful tile art with alcohol inks, created their own scratchboards then scratched in their own designs and even tried their hand at weaving with a loom and yarn to make a coaster.”
The after-school program started Sept. 4 and will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays until Oct. 9.
Registration is currently open for classes on today, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 but will close when classes are full.
“Class registration is usually about a month out, so you can register for multiple classes at once,” Buigas said. “However, they do fill up, so I recommend going online and registering early.”
For more information about the program or to register, visit lakeartmuseum.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
