Community Education Love Where you Art Outdoor Painting Workshop
Published: July 19, 2019 | Author: Susie Knudsen | Read Time: 2 minutes
For aspiring artists, hobbyists, and those looking to refine technique, SUU Community Education is offering a rare plein air art experience in New Harmony on July 27, with supplies and picnic dinner provided.
To the theme, "Love Where you Art," the evening experience includes a plein air painting workshop, picnic dinner and guest speaker on Fort Harmony. Participants will take in the inspiring views of the “Five Fingers of Kolob” while receiving instruction from Cedar City artist Debbie Drake on soft pastel painting and composition technique.
“The broad view of Kolob from New Harmony is sometimes overlooked," said Drake. “Along with the natural beauty of southern Utah, I hope to help inspire participants to create a personalized and unique reminder of summer 2019."
Plein air (a French term meaning “outside”) painting style was developed in mid-19th century France to utilize the effects of natural light and atmosphere. During a break for a picnic dinner, participants will hear from local historian Lyman Platt about the significance of Harmony Valley, including the timeline of its early settlement in southern Utah and the building of Fort Harmony.
“If you’re not familiar with the view of Kolob from New Harmony, or the compelling story of the area’s early settlers, this class gives a fully immersive experience,” said Susie Knudsen, assistant director of SUU Community Education. “If you are familiar, you know receiving outdoor art instruction in this setting is a special opportunity.”
Drake is the president of the Cedar City Arts Council and serves as director of the Cedar City office of Women’s Business Center of Utah. Recently earning her master's degree in instructional design from Western Governors University, Drake also earned a bachelor’s degree from SUU in art composite and interior design.
The SUU Community Education program offers classes, workshops and events for the purpose of generating fun, cultural, educational opportunities for those who love to learn. While increasing participant knowledge, programs are designed to provide non-credit experiences for community members wishing to develop new hobbies, skills and areas of personal interest. Taught by local experts, more than 1,300 participants have engaged in 113 SUU Community Education offerings since the program’s 2018 launch.
For more information about the “Love Where You Art” plein air experience, or about additional SUU Community Education offerings, visit suu.edu/wise or call (435) 865-8259.
Photos courtesy of Cedar City/Brian Head Tourism Bureau. Plein3-1 – “Experience a plein air art class in New Harmony painting the “Five Fingers of Kolob.”
Tags: Community and Professional Development