Under the Sea

"Under the Sea", the latest installment of Art For All's Drawing Jam program, was another shining success. Ten artists gathered at the Art for All studio to embrace once again the joy of creating art for fun.  We had a few new faces and some DJ regulars.

 The theme "Under the Sea" created quite a buzz of excitement leading up to our Saturday session. It is a magical, otherworldly realm, full of mystery and mythology, that is awe-inspiring, fascinating, and downright weird at times. Life abounds there in a brilliant array of colors, diverse patterns and textures, and a wonderful variety of shapes and sizes. There is certainly plenty of artistic potential to work with. Waves of inspiration were rolling in and flowing invitingly around our feet as we stood on the shores of our mind's eye. We took a deep breath and dove enthusiastically into the sea of our imagination. Here is what we found: playful dolphins, a powerful wave, a magical mermaid,  a jovial penguin, several elegant seashells, a flowing jellyfish, a colorful coral reef, and an abundance of reef fish. 

Once again, I searched online the Minuteman Library System for books I could bring to the DJ session to help spark some creative ideas in the artists.  Last week I found some real gems.  These books were full of stunning photography which vividly captured the magic of the oceans, their beautiful underwater landscapes, and fantastic creatures which call them home.  Here are a few titles that are worth checking out...

Shells by Paul Starosta,

Spineless by Susan Middleton,

Ocean Soul by Brian Skerry,

and Amazing Waves by Roger Sharp

I also want to highlight a children's book, Coral Reefs by Jason Chin.  It had a fun, imaginative story along with some beautiful watercolor illustrations. 

 Instead of reserving books online and having them sent to the library that is nearest to me, this summer I have opted to go "library hopping" by driving to different branches in the area to pick up books for DJ.  When I hear "Library" of course the first word that comes to mind is "Books".  But they are so much more than that.  Libraries are sometimes referred to as "Palaces for the People" because they offer a place for people to come, gather, explore and learn.  I have discovered this summer that libraries have become places to showcase the works of art.  When visiting the Newton Library last week, I discovered two art exhibits that greeted me just as I walked into the building.  The exhibits Inner Cosmos by Igor Ilchuk and The Marbled Wall by Aaron Needle caused me to slow down and linger to appreciate the beautiful work.  It was an unexpected bonus and highlight of my day. These exhibits run through the end of August. Closer to home, West Concord's own Fowler Library in collaboration with Artscape hosted the exhibit last spring entitled Art in Bloom; this coming fall they will be hosting an exhibit entitled The Generations of Artists.  Books and Art, are two great reasons to go visit (and support) your local library.

It has been a great summer of creativity and community.  We will close out August with the final DJ session of the season on Saturday 8/31/24 from 4p - 6p.  The theme will be "Technology".  Sign up online and I hope to see you there. 

Exciting news!  Drawing Jam will continue this coming fall.  We will meet on the SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH through to the end of the year. 

Mark these Dates and Themes on your calendar.

·      SEPTEMBER 14: Favorite Pets

·      OCTOBER 12: Halloween / Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos)

·      NOVEMBER 9: ComicCon (comic book and animation-inspired art)

·      DECEMBER 14: Zentagles Revisited (back by popular demand)