ELFRIDA — Tucked away in a former family home lies a big dream that came true for artist Elizabeth Shuler-Pointer in the form of a community art center.
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Now, she shows off with pride some of the accomplishments that have come out of her endeavors to give residents and youth a place to learn sketching, painting and crafts at no charge.
“It’s free for the young kids and we want to keep it that way. Bill and I work so kids don’t have to pay,” said Shuler-Pointer. “We lose money every year, but we don’t care.”
On the walls are the works by her some of her students of all ages and others in the community who want a place to show their art, such as Richard Siegler. He makes incredible animal and landscape puzzles made from intricately cut wood, which can be stained or painted. The art form is called intarsia that uses the different grains and colors of wood that is inlaid to create a three dimensional effect.
Another unique artist is Dan Rollins whose pencil sketches help the center when sold. The money goes into the kitty to help defray classroom costs for the kids’ program.
“This is a community effort,” said Shuler-Pointer as she pulled out a box of donated picture frames. “We get help from people here who bring by different things. One woman brought in a case of water. Another dropped off a package of paper.”
Local business owners Don and Brenda Bartol are also supporters of the center. The bakery they own provide cakes and cookies for special events at the center.
She is excited that the center received an old lap top that will save money on ink and paper spent on printing out her photographs for her young students to paint. The more she can save, the more supplies she can buy.
She offers classes to adults, but her true love is working with children and classes will start soon.
She holds sessions for two age groups, 7-12 and 13-15. So, she’s been gathering up supplies for the lessons ahead. In the studio, she has things all ready for the dozen or so children that will start or continue art classes. They don’t have to worry about bringing supplies with them. She has individual packs of brushes, pastels and oils.
She makes “canvas” by cutting 8-by-4-foot sheets of pressed board into sections and then paints the surface white. Not only is it inexpensive, but they work fine for the young students.
As always she’s excited about the coming summer class and has eleven students signed up so far. She manages the classes by herself, but invites anyone who like to volunteer to help to come.
“This is my love — teaching the kids, getting them interested in art and discovering their talents,” Shuler-Pointer said. “I really enjoy doing this.”
Supplies are also provided through funding she receives annually from Friends of Western Art that is committed to helping western artists of all ages grow through various programs including underwriting, mentoring, scholarships, and individual financial assistance, according to Shuler-Pointer. Every year Shuler-Pointer sends a Christmas ornament to the organization made and signed by all the young students.
Right now, Shuler-Pointer is getting ready for a month-long art show at the Douglas Art Association with a few of her artist and photographer friends that opens July 1 with a reception from noon to 3 p.m. on July 11. On exhibition with her works are those of photographer James Kidd and his wife, crafter Janice Kidd, potter Noella Freedman (who includes a plant with every pot) and painters Adele Crouch and Gerrieanne Beilefelt.
She hopes to sell a painting or two so she can stock up on more supplies for the kids.
“I had a father of one of my students call me and he told me to ‘keep it up.’ The parents appreciate this extra activity for their kids,” she added. “And they give up time on their Saturdays to do this. Can you believe it?”
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