MANSFIELD, Ohio – Those used to simply viewing art at the Mansfield Art Center will now have a chance to create their own through two new workshops, designed for both children and adults.
Even the most amateur artists are encouraged to participate in monthly classes through Cork & Easel painting classes, and Family Art Night. Education Director Mary Cooper explained the two new classes were introduced as a way to bring new and fresh ideas to the Art Center.
“Normally we have classes that last eight weeks but sometimes it’s hard to commit to that,” said Cooper. “This way people can make something and spend an evening here and have a fun time.”
The popular Cork & Easel classes were first introduced at the Art Center in October, and take place every month on alternating Friday and Saturday nights. Private parties are also available with groups of at least 10 people. The idea for a painting class while drinking wine first came to Cooper through neighboring cities Cleveland and Columbus.
“I’d heard of people doing paint and wine classes and I always thought it was such a great idea,” she said. “The problem was anyone in Mansfield had to go to Cleveland or Columbus to take part in an event like that. I thought I could make this happen here so people can go locally instead of driving so far, and we’ve finally made this happen.”
Cork & Easel classes are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and cost $35 per person. Guests are required to bring their own drinks – wine not required – and snacks if they would like. The Art Center provides various cutleries like plates, glasses and corkscrews, as well as a 16×20 gallery wrapped canvas for painting.
Instructor Emily Volz, who started taking classes at the Mansfield Art Center at a young age, leads each Cork & Easel class. Volz graduated from Mansfield Senior High and currently lives in Mansfield while still practicing her art. Cooper said Volz takes painters through each step of the process, ensuring success even for the inexperienced.
“I get that a lot, people saying ‘I don’t paint!’ Well, that’s ok! You shouldn’t feel intimidated at all,” said Cooper.
While Cork & Easel nights are geared more towards adults, Family Art Nights welcome every member of the family. Classes are from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and cost $15 per person, and Cooper said she has seen families with younger and older children participating in the craft, which is usually a clay project.
“I’ll show them how to make a clay project or do some kind of painting and they can do it themselves,” she said. “Since I’ve been here I’ve wanted to host things families can do together, a night out kind of event.”
The next Cork & Easel night on Friday, Dec. 19 is sold out, but Cooper encourages interested parties to register online for next month’s event on Saturday, Jan. 17. She noted the Cork & Easel classes usually have a large turnout and suggests registering early. The next Family Art Night, “Snowmen and Sleigh Rides,” will be Friday, Jan. 16.
Cooper noted she is thrilled to bring events to the Mansfield area, allowing families to have fun in their hometown without much travel.
“It’s important for people to support local businesses and take part in events here,” she said. “What’s interesting is we have people coming from Columbus and Cleveland to Mansfield for our events as well. We’re drawing people outside of the community even. I think it’s really important to have that support here locally.”
“I’ll show them how to make a clay project or do some kind of painting and they can do it themselves,” she said. “Since I’ve been here I’ve wanted to host things families can do together, a night out kind of event.”
