Art show attracts big crowd Sunday

Students enrolled in art classes at Hartselle Art Studio & Gallery had their paintings viewed by several hundred art enthusiasts at an art show at Hartselle Fine Arts Center on Sunday.
“The response is awesome,” said Michele Woods, art teacher and owner of Hartselle Art Studio, as she observed a standing-room-only crowd of people viewing displayed artwork in the center’s auditorium and two adjoining rooms.
Woods said “change” was the operative word to describe artwork on exhibit in the auditorium.
“Artists portray emotions,” she said, “and we asked each student to choose a painting that would represent a change in their lives.  After their paintings were done, they were asked them to describe them in their own words.
Adult class student Betty Thrasher painted a still life portrait of a young girl walking on a trail in the dense woods of Bankhead National Forest.
“My family moved from the forest to the big city of Chicago when I was 10 years old,” Thrasher wrote. “It made me unhappy and when we moved back a year later I was thrilled and my entire outlook on life changed for the better.”
Emma Bennich, a student at Crestline Elementary School, painted her dog Oreo and wrote the following: “I’ve watched my dog Oreo grow into a nice dog. I’ve realized how much I am growing and turning into a young lady. Life happens quickly.”
Edgar Gay, a grandfather of two art students, said he appreciated the written descriptions that accompanied each painting.
“The artwork means a lot more when you know and understand what motivated the artist,” he pointed out.
Woods reported that a recent fundraiser for the art studio’s scholarship fund netted $2,800, and she expressed appreciation to everyone who participated.
She also announced that the studio will host its second annual “Art in Motion” 5K Run Sunday, April 10. at 3 p.m. A one-mile fun run will follow.