Feathers. Jenny Fisher, artist
By Julie Ann Bell
Autumn is a fabulous time to soak in the colors of the mountains. There are so many vistas and trails to explore. It’s also a great time to visit studios and galleries that are exploding in colors, emotions, scenes and wonders.
For young explorers, Trackside Studios offers scavenger hunts, inviting visitors to find bears, fish, trees, guitars, glass work, fiber, baseballs, faces and more. Our goal is to help kids and teens engage with the art as they look for various materials and subject matter. In some cases, this frees up accompanying adults to spend quiet time viewing the gallery. In other cases, the adults join in the seek-and-find adventure.
Our classes for teens and adults invite participants to try something completely new, learn a new way of approaching their preferred medium or experiment with new materials or techniques. We love to encourage positivity and fun. Most classes are open to all levels of learners, although some will specify what prior experience is needed. In addition to oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media classes, opportunities exist to adventure into the worlds of fine art crafts. Join us to learn about wire wrapping, needle felting, jewelry making, pyrography (wood burning), mosaic, wood carving or cyanotype. During fall and winter, create seasonal art, cards, ornaments and gifts.
During our earliest years at 375 Depot Street, before Trackside Studios was founded, I would hang out with Trackside co-founder Michael Allen Campbell in his studio there. He painted with vibrant acrylics and acrylic medium, and it fascinated me. I thought anyone could throw or pour paint, but I learned that I am not that person. I tried watercolor, sketching and mixed media with my photographs and found objects. I sold some of the latter for $10 and discarded most of the attempts at painting. In 2012, I saw a wire sculpture in a gallery and declared that I was going to do that! I loved it and it is still my medium of choice.
I share my story because many of us aren’t sure where to find our artistic bone. And, like many others, I am pestered by self-doubt. I’ve decided it is a personal adventure to set that aside and try new ways of being creative. My mantra for people like me and for those who love to create and want to try something new or build a skill is the same. Let go and explore for the sheer fun of it! We invite you to check out our classes and their descriptions on our website.
Trackside Studios is located at 375 Depot Street in the River Arts District. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and by appointment. Learn more at TracksideStudios.com.
