I’m not an artsy person. I’ve tried my hand at drawing, painting, sculpting and crafting, but I just don’t have it — whatever it is.
One time, my sisters-in-law and I went to a Painting with a Twist party where we paid $35 to paint Hawaiian scenery and drink unlimited wine. The picture we were to paint was simple: A full moon with stars and palm branches with pink flowers.
Well, it should have been simple.
As fate would have it, both of their paintings turned out flawless. Mine looked more like a misshapen white circle under attack by a green monster with pink pimples. And my parents (bless their hearts), who have supported me in everything I’ve ever done, took it upon themselves to add my painting to their garage art.
I would venture to say that it would have been the worst $35 I ever spent had it not been for the three glasses of wine that enlightened my painting experience — an experience memorialized by an unfortunate painting displayed on a garage wall.
Although I lack artistic ability, I admire people who can pick up a sheet of paper, a block of wood or another material and create something unique. It’s a talent, and while I often don’t understand what artists are trying to express, I admire their diligence and the eye-appealing pieces that it produces.
During college, I tried to open myself up to the world of art. I begrudgingly took an art appreciation class where I learned about various art movements, artists and art pieces. But never once did I learn what it truly meant to appreciate art. It was more about names and dates and the occasional historical piece that have since been lost to the modern era of Banksy and Andy Warhol.
Aside from the unpleasant art class, I learned about the thriving arts community in Lubbock and grew to love it. One popular event in Lubbock is the art trail, which is held on the first Friday of every month. At this event, the public is invited to view and experience different types of art. The biggest draw for me was the live music, but there were definitely some thought-provoking pieces at these events, and I recommend anyone with any interest in art at all should attend.
I’ve learned the art scene is just as happening here in Snyder. With the opening of the 1818 Arthouse and the formation of the Scurry County Arts Collective (SCAC), this town is booming with opportunities for aspiring artists.
On the first and last Mondays of every month, the Scurry County Museum offers experiential art nights for the public at the 1818 Arthouse. On Monday, the museum offered pancake art where participants could create art out of pancakes. Then they got to eat their creations.
Next Monday, they will offer fall leaf faux stained glass for participants of all ages. And the best part about these events is that they are free. Another neat event coming up is Plein Air on the Square hosted by the SCAC. Artists are invited this weekend to paint, sculpt, photograph and draw around Snyder’s downtown square. Plein Art channels a French art movement from the 19th century in which artists painted outdoors. You hear of events like this happening in big cities, but for the second year in a row, this event is happening right here in Snyder.
There are so many wonderful opportunities out there for aspiring artists, and really, for anyone with any sort of dream at all. I’m so thankful that we live in a nation where we have the freedom to inspire, aspire and create, to be whoever we choose to be and to do whatever we choose to do.
Until next time…
Shelby Rasco is a staff writer for the Snyder Daily News. Comments about her column can be emailed to shelby@snyderdailynews.com.