Amanda Smith, the new Gallery Director for the Artists Association of St. John, is drawing up some big plans.
Suspecting there's a little bit of artist in many locals, she's hoping that, eventually, the group's gallery will host not only regular exhibits of members' work but also daily classes.
"Everybody thinks you have to be a pro, but that;'s not true," Smith explained in an interview. While she started painting nine years ago as a hobby, "When you constantly (keep at it), you improve." By having classes in many media ranging from oil painting to watercolor to sculpture to jewelry making, she hopes to "reach people who are even just looking for a hobby. I don't want them intimidated."
You can listen to the interview with Smith.
Press the "Play" arrow.You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.
Smith signed on as Gallery director earlier this year, just as the group was moving from the Marketplace to larger space at the Lumberyard, where Polli's Mexican restaurant used to be. The Association has 152 members, most of whom are full-time residents. Each is given 16 square feet each month to display their work.
Each month's featured artists are given an entire wall. The current exhibit highlights photography and paintings by Janet Cook-Rutnik. December will highlight the paintings of Smith, the gallery director, and Lucy Portlock, a watercolorist. An opening reception is planned for Dec. 13th at 6 p.m.
Smith also plans to open a small art supply shop next month, adjacent to the Gallery, Pirates Paradise Art Supply. Inventory will include "better and best" lines of acrylics, watercolors, oils, brushes, canvases and paper.
The Association's Web site is http://www.stjohnarts.org/