Wood-turning, basket-weaving, and painting – oh my!
This September and October is an exciting time at Broken Bow’s Forest Heritage Center and Museum at Hochatown State Park. Between September 9 and October 16, the Heritage Center plays host to fine-art events that are both entertaining and educational.
September 13-14, 2016: Capturing Nature’s Beauty
Artist and art educator Jamie Carter graces our presence from Paris, TX to instruct current and would-be artists in nature-painting techniques. “Capturing Nature’s Beauty” is a 2-day art retreat for students who want to learn about painting their natural surroundings. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, or want to “brush up” on your technique – all are welcome.
Jamie Carter is a nationally-known fine artist. Even if you’ve never been aware of her name, chances are you’ve seen her artwork: her paintings have been featured on magazines, catalogs and greeting cards, and her artwork is regularly used by rug makers, fine art publishers and home decor manufacturers.
Topics covered in the retreat include: set-up, finding a subject, color-mixing,
planning your painting, using reference sketches, and finding your strengths to
create a better work of art.
If you think you’d like to attend, sign up quickly (http://www.artlessonswithjamie.com/), as the retreat is limited to 15 participants. The two-day retreat is $60, however you can attend a single day for $35 and receive an abbreviated version of the training. You will be responsible for bringing your own supplies (list provided once you register).
September 13-14, 2016: Come & Go: Basket-making Workshop
Local basket-maker and instructor Linda Lou Alexander brings her talents and her teaching skills to the Heritage Center. Basket-making is an ancient art-form that is as functional as it is beautiful. A workshop is offered each day, and all are welcome to attend and learn, no registration necessary – and all supplies are provided!
For $10, guests can learn to make a Double Wall Western Cherokee Basket. Often made from Willow, Honeysuckle or Buckbrush, this double-walled basket is a traditional two-layer design that allows for a variety of designs.
For $15, guests can choose to make a Pine Needle Coiled Basket. Just like the name implies, this 9000-year-old basket-making method uses coils of pine needles to create a wrapped basket.
Both of the above events coincide with the BIG event: the ‘Masters at Work’ Woodturning Competition and Exhibition!
September 9, 2016 brings a three-week event at the Heritage Center, celebrating the fine art of woodturning. The show celebrates just about everything you can imagine created from a block of wood mounted on a spinning lathe: from bowls to vases, chalices, pepper mills, tops/spindles and more; skilled craftsmen and women from all over are able to create fine-art beauty out of the beautiful medium of wood.
The event starts off on an exciting note as artists from various woodturning clubs compete in a two-day contest for the title of “Master” woodturner. Watch as artists use tools to turn chunks of wood into beautiful works of art. An exhibit featuring the winning pieces as well as turnings from members of various woodturning clubs will follow. Visitors to the museum will be able to visit the Museum’s exhibit to see these incredibly crafted works through October 16.
Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday (gallery closed on Monday and Tuesday).