How long have you been a student at One River?

Off and on for about 6 years. I began the adult art shuffle before COVID and was really enjoying it for about 6 months before everything needed to pause. I restarted in the fall of 2024 and am still going strong. I have really enjoyed the classes and the community. 

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

My mother, and my father’s mother, are both talented artists. Neither have formal training, but a natural interest and ability. My grandmother primarily painted, sculpted and did photography. She opened a craft store in the late 70’s in California and taught both art and craft classes. My mother is mostly self-taught and does drawing, painting, sewing, furniture refinishing, you name it! Growing up with that influence, I always saw them, and by extension, myself, as artists! We did a lot of painting, drawing, all kinds of crafts and building as a child. My parents trusted me with painting cabinets in our home when I was 8. 

I always chose art as an elective in middle and high school and built up a portfolio. I initially thought I might apply to art programs in college, but ultimately did not. For many years I would doodle, and once in a while pull out a creative project, but mostly was on hold. When my children were young, I knew I wanted them to be surrounded and confident with art as I was as a child, so that sort of reignited my interest and practice.

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

Stippling, oil painting, and oil pastels. I love the precision and meditative aspect to stippling. It’s amazing how much depth you can create out of tiny dots, oil painting because it was my first time and I had always been intimidated; I am looking forward to trying again! Oil pastels because I love working with colored pencil, and this was similar but had a fluid vibrancy! 

Describe One River in 3 words and tell us why

Approachable, inclusive, inspiring. I believe you can walk into One River with any level of experience and feel completely welcomed and supported. The teachers are good at making you feel comfortable where you are and pushing you to challenge yourself; which is different for everyone!

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

Art is subjective; there is no wrong or right way to create a piece of art. Just like food, everyone will love different things, and that is freeing. I get to use my brain and imagination in ways that I don’t throughout the rest of my day. I find it meditative and sometimes challenging…in a way I appreciate.

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

I have always signed up by myself, without thought as to who else would be in the class. I love that I get to meet different people I may not have otherwise. Sometimes there are familiar faces, and other times you meet people who become friends..either way, everyone is incredibly welcoming and supportive.