Fall Open House 2023

Artistic Magic

Imagine Art held its annual Fall Open House amid much clatter and anticipation on Saturday, October 21st. Imagine Art showcased the artistic magic for which it has been known over the last 25 years. One can’t help but be immersed in this Art featured, annual community event that recognizes and supports disabled artists. Neighbors of all ages were drawn to and participated in the mostly free art activities devised and supported by AmeriCorps’ artists-in-residence.

With so much going on in the Capital City, the event was not as well attended as in seasons past. It seems that many organizations chose the 21st as the date for their autumn kick off.

But as usual, the public toured the the 1611 W. 14th Street IA Studio. Family, friends and neighbors viewed and purchased paintings and drawings off the walls, as well as ceramics, jewelry, and other mixed media off tables.

Artistically painted pumpkins of all sizes were on display, from the downright scary, to serene and comically funny. Painted Pumpkins are still available Thursday thru Sunday at the church and the IA Studio.

But the front courtyard was where the real action happened. Art aficionados mingled and created art—very much like the clients at Imagine Art. The public got a taste of what everyday artists’ experience, down to a finished piece that they got to take home.

Painted, not carved

A table dedicated to pumpkin painting was organized by Valencia Arline. When you live next door to a pumpkin patch, especially if you're an artist, you naturally want to paint them. And that's exactly what IA artists had been doing for the last two weeks leading up to the Open House. In a deal made with the church, artists were allowed to select pumpkins to paint on: Small, medium or large. For anybody interested, they can still be purchased at the Studio in time for Halloween.

Sculpting Clay Pumpkin Luminaries

At the adjacent table, ceramist Jenna Easthope showed and supervised how to sculpt the pre-made, fist size, clay pumpkin luminaries. As you can imagine, participants took this opportunity very seriously: sculpting eyes, noses, and mouths like on a normal pumpkin.

Slip-cast

Set-up next to canopies on the BB court, James Anderson encouraged and cajoled everybody to paint available slip-cast objects. Vases, pumpkins, and ten commandment statuettes along with a variety of knickknacks were available to paint and take home as soon as the paint dried.

Do you remember when we took this photo?

A popular fun spot was the photo tent held down by Melissa “Mel” Morris, with help from former member Dani Bailey. They lured subjects in with cool photo props such as cowboy hats of many colors, matching feather boas and heart shaped gag sunglasses. This was a must DO, if only to remember all the art fun you had at Imagine Arts Fall Open House.

Member Art

AmeriCorps and former Members took this opportunity to try and sell their own art. Larry Yanez, showed his wildlife paintings. Especially notable was his depictions of a charging bull elephant and an eagle, Member Lisa Bromley, displayed her work as well.

Face Painting

No fall art event would be complete without a face painting table, and Ali Simmel and Jan Pomeroy provided kids the opportunity, with many designs to choose from.

Mark your Calendar

The Austin Studio Tour will be held November 4 & 5 and the following weekend on November 11&12. Times are 12 to 6 pm.