Jane Goodall once said, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” The word that stands out to me the most from that quote is “impact.” While 2020 was exceedingly difficult for me and many others, it also allowed me a lot of time to reflect on what kind of impact I would like to make in 2021. How can I use my skills and experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer, English teacher and trainer, and art teacher to make an impact on the community and the world around me?
I have met so many friendly, welcoming people since moving to Winnsboro at the beginning of January. But I am finding that when I tell people that I am the new Director of Programming at Winnsboro Center for the Arts, some people confess to me that they are not an artist, they do not possess the talent, or never developed the skills necessary to be an artist. The other week I was asked a great question by someone I met, “Do you think it’s possible for everyone to learn how to become an artist?” to which I replied, “I personally believe that everyone is an artist!”
Artist Joseph Beuys believed that the word “artist” described the fundamental human ability to be creative and create, to express and be heard. So many of us have had bad experiences with art growing up, such as a discouraging art teacher or a rude comment from a classmate, which leads us to believe that we are not artists and cannot become one; however, so many things we do are creative and artistic. Artists are not just painters and musicians. The way someone decorates a window display in an antique shop, engineers a new paper airplane, or writes a poem for a loved one are all highly creative, artistic things!
Which brings me to how I would like to leave an impact on the community of Winnsboro: I wish for everyone to know that everyone is an artist. Here at Winnsboro Center for the Arts, we strive to make an impact on the community by providing educational programming, cultural opportunities, and entertainment. This spring we will be offering a variety of different workshops and ongoing classes, both in-person and virtually, and plan to continue expanding educational programming to all ages and abilities. Keeping safety precautions in mind, art camps for various ages are again planned for this summer. We are also excited to be hosting the Student Art Competition Exhibit from February 20 to April 10. Come see amazing works from local and regional high school students!
If you have ever felt nostalgic for those badges you earned in scouting programs as a kid, you may want to consider joining our newest instructor, Christine Miller, on February 27th for a fun virtual felt badge workshop the whole family is welcome to enjoy. You can also explore pastels with Nancy Beauchamp in making a pet portrait starting February 17th or sign up for Stacey’s ceramics class and make windchimes and garden gnomes that are perfect for springtime.
We also want to welcome our newest music instructor, Aaron Zook. He is offering guitar lessons for beginner and intermediate guitarists. We are extremely excited to expand our music educational programming at WCA. For more information about workshops, classes, or music lessons, email us at wca.artscenter@gmail.com or call the center at 903-342-0686. Come find your inner artist!
