Supplies await creative hands at Greenfield Parks Department Art Studio.
Editor’s note: The Daily Reporter regularly features Hancock County’s arts and events. Here, Rachel Holmes, art instructor at Greenfield Parks Department, shares about changes made at the art studio in the last year and what’s on the horizon for 2022. For more on the studio, visit facebook.com/greenfieldparksart, parks.greenfieldin.org, or call (317) 477-4340. If you know a person, group or event that you’d like to see featured in Hancock Happenings, email [email protected].
Daily Reporter: What’s your experience and background with art?
Rachel Holmes: Art has been a lifelong passion! My other passion, teaching, led me to an Elementary Education degree from Anderson University. I missed sharing art with others, though, so several years ago I began doing sip & paint parties. I then opened Indie Art Studio, which I ran successfully through 2020. Shortly after, I was approached by Greenfield Parks and Recreation to teach art, where I’ve been since last February.
DR: What were your ideas for when you were first hired a year ago, and how have those ideas changed?
RH: I knew I wanted to continue offering the types of classes and events I did at Indie Art Studio, focusing on an equal mixture of fun and education. I want my students to have a blast in class while walking away with more confidence and knowledge about art materials, skills, techniques, and concepts. As I learn more about the community’s interests, I continue to adjust for what’s relevant and interesting to Hancock county.
DR: What did you offer in 2021 through the Greenfield Parks Department?
RH: I started with monthly themed kids’ courses. We also introduced camps for spring, summer, and fall breaks. Then we began sprinkling in adult events like a monthly “sip and paint” or “sip and craft.”
DR: What has been your favorite experience so far?
RH: The castle camps, hands down! They are a blast, and I’m always amazed by how creative all the kids are. It’s incredible to watch them come up with ways to decorate their castles: old jewelry becomes a chandelier, or a mint tin becomes a tiny refrigerator. I have as much fun as the kids!
DR: What would you say to the person who doesn’t think they can create or make art?
RH: Of course you can! There’s a quote that says, “Every great artist started with a scribble,” and it’s so true. You have to start somewhere, and I love being able to get someone started on something new. Be brave enough to start with a scribble!
DR: What do you plan to offer in 2022?
RH: We’ll continue to offer classes for both youth and adults. We’ll start adding some family events soon. We will also continue monthly classes for children and teens, as well as adult events like sip and paint nights and educational classes.
DR: What are your New Year’s goals for the Greenfield Parks Department?
RH: My No. 1 goal is to build awareness of all the amazing things happening here and drive more traffic to our doors. The more engagement grows, the more classes and events we can add! My other goal is to continue that balance of fun and education, so every student has the knowledge to grow as an artist.
I’m beyond thankful to have joined the fun, supportive Greenfield Parks family. I look forward to growing the studio. Aside from registering for classes, the best thing people can do to help support Greenfield Parks and Recreation Art Studio is to spread the word!
