Budding artists attend Watercolor Workshop

Twenty-five area children ages ten through 18 attended a comprehensive three-day watercolor workshop with internationally known watercolor artist Jack Shields.

The students from Towns, Union and Clay counties were inspired and challenged by the scope of information as well as the wonderful examples of watercolor techniques displayed by Mr. Shields.

"We were delighted with the cooperation of our local art teachers, Reba Beck, Sandy Sharrock and Barbara Allen in helping to identify these talented students," commented Carol Duckworth, "and we are most grateful to Amy Wilson Fun World Manager and Ron Loy, Theatre Manager at Fieldstone Cinema and their staffs. They were a pleasure to work with and so helpful providing the room, lunch and refreshments for the workshop. The children also really enjoyed the pizza lunches provided by Eric Conrad at Enrico's Pizzeria."

Assisting Mr. Shields were volunteers from the Mountain Arts Association and the community including Carol Duckworth, Doris Durbin, Nancy Brewer, Hayesville's Art Teacher Reba Beck and Town's County's Barbara Allen who summarized, "My first impression was how riveted the children's attention was on the instructor Jack Shields and they were not even distracted when I entered the room. Water color is a very difficult medium" she continued and I was surprised at how well the students worked with the professional grade pallets, paper and brushes, that MAA provided for them. When the students had questions they were encouraged to experiment and find their own answers. Most of all I was touched by Mr. Shield's generosity. He offered to come to our school and demonstrate at no charge."

Mr. Shields is originally from New Zealand, attended Indiana University and served on the faculty of Westminster Schools in Atlanta retiring in 1995 as Director of Fine Arts to paint and teach workshops. This free workshop is sponsored by the Mountain Arts Association with the grateful support of United Community Bank, Inc., Georgia Vision Center, Ridges Resort and Club and blueridgehighlander.com. The Mountain Arts Association also provides scholarships to students to encourage continuing education in the arts. To make a taxdeductible donation to the Mountain Arts Association, call (706) 896-9739, visit hiawasseefestivalofarts.org or write to P.O. Box 754 Hiawassee, GA30546.