Creative Canvas Workshops a big hit at local schools

A combined total of 245 third and fourth graders at Chatom Elementary School, Fruitdale High School, and Millry High School had the opportunity to learn painting techniques from visiting artist Rianna Freeman Turner, courtesy of the Wilcox Foundation and Gallery.

During the “Creative Canvas Workshop,” students received step-by-step instruction from the visiting artist and created their own 8x10 masterpiece, “Magical Dragonfly.”

Earlier this year, the Wilcox Foundation hosted classes at Leroy High School and McIntosh Elementary School with Turner.

In addition to the workshops at the schools, the Foundation also hosted a class for teens and adults on May 1 at Chatom Elementary School. During the three hour class called “Stroke of Genius, Palette Knife Edition,” attendees used palette knives to paint a 24x30 canvas, “Wilcox Pear,” under the direction of the artist.

The Wilcox Gallery also hosted an art show on May 2, featuring the works of artist Rianna Freeman Turner.

One of the goals of the Wilcox Foundation, created by the late Edith Jordan Wilcox, is to promote the arts in Washington County.

“In promoting the arts, one of our objectives is to provide hands-on learning opportunities. This year, we were able to do that for 400 local school children through the Creative Canvas Workshop and over 50 teens and adults through Stroke of Genius,” said Alicia Atcheson, executive director of the Wilcox Gallery.

The Creative Canvas Workshop series was underwritten by the Wilcox Foundation and the following sponsors: BASF, Olin, Huntsman, First Community Bank, Clarke-Washington EMC, and Andrew’s Hardware.