Student Showcase: Sue and Aelish

Tell us a little bit about your journey as an artist.

Sue: I started literally last Sept at One River! I’ve done photography and never really learned anything else.

Aelish: I have always enjoyed art, but it was never at the forefront of what I was doing. I would like to give credit to my younger brother Jack, as he’s the one who told me to go try One River. He had taken some classes in high school and enjoyed it, so I jumped right into it in March 2024! And I convinced my mom that Fall to join me because I loved this class so much and knew she would too!

Which has been your favorite project to work on at One River and why?

Sue: Believe it or not, the acrylic landscape painting! With such limited experience it presented a huge hurdle for me. But there were so many valuable lessons and while I don’t like my completed work, I do look at it fondly knowing it made me more confident and educated.

Aelish: Oh gosh, I have a few. If I had to pick one, I would say this charcoal project we just did, the animal eyes. I love it because I feel like I finally understand what I am doing! I’ve had to work really hard at getting my hand to draw what my eye sees and not let my brain get in the way too much (I love to over-analyze!) I feel like I’m finally starting to find my rhythm and flow and I’m really excited about it!!

Describe One River in 3 words and tell us why

Welcoming, Supportive, Community

Welcoming – You are immediately greeted when you walk in. The teachers are excited to have you there and they can’t wait to see what you make. It’s a really positive and inspiring environment.

Supportive – When you look around at other students’ work, it’s easy to get intimidated, especially as a new artist. But the teachers always make a point to remind us that we are each on our own journey and you don’t need to love everything you make. We call those a ‘study’ and we move on! The teachers are a strong team and really go the extra mile to help you in any way they can.

Community- In the classroom all the students are sharing the same experience. You feel connected because we all have the same purpose- to learn and grow as an artist, no matter where you are starting from. Outside the classroom, One River creates community by displaying their students’ art and as well as amazing local artists. As soon as you walk in, there is a display to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

What would you tell people who’ve never dabbled in art making are the real benefits to trying it?

Aelish: There’s a ton of benefits, but if anything it’s a good change of pace. Actually, since taking this class, I notice a lot more in nature! Since we work so hard to train our eyes, I find myself noticing different colors and light. It’s very grounding. It’s just a nice place to get away from the day-to-day.

Sue: There are many benefits to working your creative muscles. I get absorbed into our work and find that it is very calming, almost meditative. I consider art class a mini vacation from my everyday life. And like Aelish, I am so much more aware and mindful of my surroundings-textures, sounds, colors- and notice things I wouldn’t have before this class.

Would you like to share anything else about your experience with One River’s adult program/classes?

Don’t let intimidation hold you back. The support and encouragement is everywhere- even your fellow students will be on your team.