By Nancy Orndorff
Guest writer
The Murphy Art Center (MAC) in historic downtown Murphy is offering a host of classes this fall. Run by the Valley River Arts Guild, a non-profit organization, the gallery was created to support local artists and promote art in the community. The guild boasts of talented teacher artists in multiple media.
Recent classes attended included watercolor artist Joyce Clair and Independent Stampin’Up Demonstrator Sharon Francis.
Joyce Clair, a retired nurse practitioner, lives in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Blairsville, Georgia. She has been painting for 30 years and enjoys teaching watercolor, alcohol ink painting and drawing for beginners. Her passion is “Plein Air” or outdoor painting using watercolor pigments to express her representational impressionism.
Sharon Francis, a retired occupational therapist, lives in the Shoal Creek area of Murphy, North Carolina. Sharon has been making greeting cards for 17 years. She became interested in card design when gifted a stamp set by her daughter. She enjoys teaching the art of card making using stamps, card stock, dies, and embossing folders. Both casual and avid card makers enjoy her classes.
Classes for children are sponsored by the MAC through MACkey Mouse Art Club and have included monster tooth fairy pillow, flower faces, and pottery projects.
Upcoming classes include butterfly barn quilt board, alcohol ink ceramic trivet, painting, painted glass and German star ornaments. Class listings can be found on our Facebook page, @valleyriverartsguild, under events. Class sizes are limited. Registration is required. You can register by visiting 33 Valley River Avenue or calling the gallery at 828-360-3038. The Valley River Arts Guild is looking for teachers of the arts (crafts, music, dance, writing). If interested please visit the gallery or contact Holly Johnson at holly@hollerypottery.com.