Berkeley Arts Council supports the Creative Arts Group of more than thirteen members who find inspiration and constructive support by creating their art together each Thursday afternoon at the Martinsburg Library. This weekly event at the library emerged over three years ago when a group of member artists wanted to create regularly in the company of fellow artists, but the BAC art instruction room was too limiting to accommodate a large group. It was then that the group was made aware of a large, well-lit meeting room and permission to use that room every Thursday afternoon from 1 pm to 4 pm was granted for our use by the library.
The core group of artists consists of Lannie Mullenax, Mary Jo Sims, John Turner, Jeanne Marie McClure, Susan Cranford, Martha Hanley, Louise Janelle, Judith Becker, Paula Rife, Annie Battle, Lauren Taylor, Diane Boward, and Deana Thorsell. Since beginning to meet at this library space, the library purchased new tables and chairs to accommodate larger groups, so we now have more space to increase the number of artists who wish to join the Creative Arts Group.
At each session, one can observe diverse media being used to create art with traditional art mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, graphite, colored and watercolor pencils, various pen types, collage assemblages, fiber arts plus many other materials for creating interesting art works. Unfortunately, the library space is not outfitted for an art room so there is no running water in the room and it is not suitable for painting with oils, etc.
The value of the BAC Creative Arts Group is the enjoyment, encouragement and social interaction the participants receive from each other as well as the camaraderie and sense of support each receives as they explore their individual art journey.
Anyone interested in more information about joining the BAC supported Creative Art Group, please contact Judith Becker at beckerjsb40@gmail.com. There is no fee to participate other than to be a member of the Berkeley Arts Council.
