Local and visiting teenagers alike were welcomed to partake in a free acrylic painting class on Saturday, June 20, at the Gandolfo Art Studio. Limited to 10 students, from the age of 15 to 18, those interested were urged to call ahead of time to claim their spots.
The students arrived at 10 a.m. and were immediately shown various techniques, painting strategies and how to clean and handle the different materials they would be using throughout the course. The teenagers were provided with a complimentary lunch and were able to stay and paint until 3 p.m.
Local jewelry artist Heather Molans, former member of the Arts and Culture Commission and present member of the Northern Arizona Watercolor Society, was able to teach the teenagers free of charge. This was due to the fact that the studio space was offered to her at no expense by the Gandolfo Art Foundation, a nonprofit that strives to bring art into the community. The foundation is operated for educational and charitable purposes.
“The schools aren’t giving kids enough art and there are no real art classes in the community for teenagers, so the Gandolfo Art Foundation addressed that issue,” Molans said.
“It gives visiting artists a chance to come and teach at the studio and even provides them with a place to stay while they are in town. This allows well-known artists to teach classes at little or no expense for the community,” Molans said.
Molans added that she plans to teach additional classes in August for both children and adults.
Teaching Through Gandolfo
Established by Carol and Rick Gandolfo, the organization has been functioning for over a year with a positive overall result.
“The past couple of years have been devoted to the slow, steady trial-and-error method of finding just the right fit for the foundation’s classes and activities. Now going strong, the class calendar fills up quickly for a variety of activities, including classes with nationally-known artists,” Carol Gandolfo said.
Outside of being a space for standard art classes, the Gandolfo Art Foundation has also hosted many different events in the community.
“Programs include classes for sculpting, painting, photography and drawing. We also provide a location for artists for critique groups, social gatherings, photography shoots and open studio events,” Gandolfo said.
