Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Somerset County Arts Council

"Painting is easy for those that do not know how, but very difficult for those that do!" ~ Edgar Degas

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The Somerset County Arts Council holds an annual art exhibit for our younger students each year, exhibiting their art for one month. I am a member of the council, and today I was visiting with Earlene Colburne, the executive director, and thought I would snap a few shots of the artwork and building.

I love to watch kids paint or work on art projects. There are no rules in "kid world" when it comes to art. And they are all talented in their own ways. Alas, as they grow older, the majority of them put down their crayons and brushes forever.

I wish art were not an elective course. There is no telling how many great artists the world has lost to other lines of work. People who retain their natural art skills as they age will always have their art, no matter where they are in life. Art is always something you can pull out of your back pocket and play with. It is therapeutic and good for the soul.

Thanks to the Somerset Arts Council for giving the children a place in the limelight.













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Chairs from the old Crisfield theater.

This is Earlene, hard at work. After she got off the phone, I gave her a little Q&A:

What is your pet peeve?


We always have something that needs to be done, so I guess my pet peeve is calling people to fix or do things, and not having them call back.

What is your favorite article of clothing?

Tee shirts in the summer and sweaters in the winter.


What is your favorite color?

Yellow.


What is your favorite piece of jewelry?

A diamond heart necklace my husband gave me a few years ago on Christmas.

Who is your favorite artist?

Claude Monet.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

The Outer Banks of North Carolina.

What is the one thing you could not live without?

Sugar.

I am with you on that last one, Earlene!

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This is Katie, keeper of the artwork. Katie refused an interview.

This is Mama Girl. Her art was featured in the gallery a few months ago.

One of Mama Girl's pieces.


This is Earlene with my husband. My husband is a folk/outsider artist (his style is typical of the way a child would paint), and he exhibited his Vietnam War art at the gallery last November(in honor of Veteran's Day). My husband paints both Vietnam War paintings and serene paintings of life around our bay. Below are examples of each. My husband was a USMC door gunner in Nam, and received the Purple Heart.





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Thanks to everyone who helps keep the council going!

The Somerset County Arts Council has monthly exhibits that range from fine art to kiddie art. They also hold an annual Just Folks Festival on the Crisfield City dock every July 4. All are welcome and admission is Free! Free is good.

If you would like to exhibit or join the council call: 410.968.2787.

Mailing address is:

SCAC
26430 Burton Avenue
Crisfield, Maryland 21817



"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." - Pablo Picasso

15 comments:

Chef E said...

I have been told I have a Grandma Moses approach and folk art way of painting too!

I also get mad when people make me hungry :) I made myself that way looking at the post again...

My daughter has some art work I would like to get into a children's art exhibit one day...she was a beautiful artist...

J9 said...

Patty,
Katie is a cutie, but looks scared to death! I agree about art in school. I'm glad my kids are in a program where they have art at least once a week, taught by me and another parent. I LOVE seeing what they come up with, and the process, and how that translates into so many things for them! Last week it was coffee filter and pipe cleaner flowers and butterflies with the kindys and firsts, and this week will be guided drawing with the second and thirds. We are also planning diaramas for the month of May, and they are working on ceramics for mother's day.

aurbie said...

Chef E: All good chefs have a little artist in them. You should post some of your daughter's work. I would love to see it.

J9: Katie is just protective of all that valuable art work. She is a sweetie pie.

Kids do come up with some great stuff. The ceramics sound nice. You should post some photos.

Cherie/ Butterfly Dreamer said...

Love mamagirl and Katie. Great pictures Patty !

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Well I so love Katie!

Tess Kincaid said...

Mama Girl's piece of the Obamas is just delightful!

Bagman and Butler said...

I think you have the dream job! Although I know you'd rather be in Nairobi. You are so prolific...inspiring...do you shoot absolutely everything you see?!!! You must have an incredibly big hard drive. Bagman chortles to himself and repeats, big hard drive...chortle chortle.

gigi said...

This was such a cool post! I loved the kids art work and I even saw some "Cakes"!
That is most interesting about your husband and his paintings are awesome. Loved the interview too. Thank you for this.
Sunshine and smiles.

Midlife, menopause, mistakes and random stuff... said...

I love Mama Girl's........I love them all but her's called my name.
Can't wait until tomorrow!!!!!
Gigi @ afterthoughts is picking next week's subject. Can't wait to see what she comes up with. We have quite a few more names this week that have said they are participating......YAY!!

Steady On
Reggie Girl

gigi said...

For next weeks May 8th Friday's Shoot Out what about Gardens, you know, Vegetable Garden, Flower Garden, Butterfly Garden, Botanical Garden, Zen Garden, hey even the Olive Garden! Your own, your mama's, your neighbors, the city's. Garden supplies, Garden tools, Garden ornaments, Garden furniture. Remember "No Rules" your own interpretation!
Have fun gardening!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous post. It is always a pleasure to see the art of young people on display. They need recognition and sometimes it lasts a lifetime.

The Pink Birdhouse said...

Hi Patty, my sister the teacher would love this post!! She loves to show off her students art work all the time. They are working on a project right now that has to do with photography, called Geo Georgie, a turtle that has to be taken around and photographed in different places, a way for the children to learn about the world. He was here with us in Germany and we just got his pics sent back to them. my sister promised us an update on the project upon completion. And right here in our town the local grocery store always has an art contest for all the kids every few months and displays their pictures! I think it is just great, and really gets the kids and their paints active!! Nice post. And thanks for all the great comments that you leave over on my blog, it always makes my day when I see that you have stopped by for a visit dear friend. hugs, Debby

A Scattering said...

Super idea to feature your local arts centre. I love your husband's work! One of my great uncles painted in the primitive style and there's something so honest and organic about it.

Barry said...

Great tribute to the Somerset County Arts Council and the obviously wonderful work they do. And great to see your husband too (not to mention the opportunity to see more of his art).

Thanks Patty.

Claire Bond said...

I love your husband’s artwork and it’s nice to show people how talented he is, I’ve really enjoyed looking at your photographs, thank you for sharing.

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