I grew up with an artist. My dad has loved art his entire life, and I watched him doodle on everything from scratch pads and restaurant napkins to the wall of his office (a large green alien peeking over a wall). I posed for hours so he could draw me, with building anticipation of what was on the other side of the paper that I couldn’t see from my vantage point. He encouraged me to draw from an early age, and I guess my quiet nature was an easy fit for the hours it takes to transfer ideas onto canvas.
As I got older, dad concentrated more on pen and ink fantasy drawings, and I drew less. However, I found other creative avenues I enjoy just as much. Gourmet cooking, painting murals, writing, organizing events, and decorating are a few of the things I enjoy most. I know I owe it all to the creative encouragement I received growing up. From time to time, I still get out paper to write or draw as I feel it helps me think and make a better connection when I have to think deeply about something that demands a decision.
The Hutchinson Center for the Arts gives me something I can’t live without. A constant stream of artistic ideas and new people to meet who share in the passion. The Center for the Arts is committed to bringing the value of art to a prominent place in the community where it belongs. I know I can rely on the Center to place a high importance on a wide range of ideas that will continue to introduce me to new art forms.
One of the most memorable art pieces my dad did was of Super Grover (from Sesame Street), and the memory lives in my heart long after my sister laid claim to the piece. The most memorable piece I created at the Center for the Arts was during a stained glass stepping stone class. It was very relaxing and exhilarating to work in a new medium alongside my aunt taking the class with me. Most recently, I designed a bra for “Bras for a Cause” display at the Center using plastic grocery bags to knit into a bra shape. For me, art holds memories. The Hutchinson Center for the Arts helps keep memories alive for me.
Beth Gasser is the author of this post. She resides in Hutchinson with her husband, three daughters, and exchange daughter from Thailand.
What does the Hutchinson Center for the Arts mean to you? Please email us your story!
Leave a Reply