AMSTERDAM – The Creative Connections Arts Center located at 303 East Main St. is a space for those looking to make an artistic endeavor to find or cultivate their craft. They offer art classes and workshops of many different forms for all ages including standards such as beginner’s pottery and a children’s after school art program. They also have less trodden programs such as an introduction to DJ-ing and a class on creating superhero comic books.
The center was founded two years ago with a vision “to inspire creative connection and spark community arts expression in a collaborative environment for the enrichment and unification of the community at large,” as stated on their Facebook page. While artists at any experience level have been provided with a space in which to create and learn, there is still a question of what is to be done once a project is completed.
As local artist Carol Jordan says, “A lot of artists create art and then have nowhere to display it. It just sits boxed up.” Jordan, who has been involved with the arts center since its inception, had an idea for an art show to be held in the space. She wanted to create “a showcase of artists to promote their love of what they do and sell art.” On Saturday March 15 and 22, the idea will come to fruition in the form of the “Spring Awakening” Art Showcase.
The showcase is the center’s first such event and will host works by approximately 30 local artists, including many instructors from the arts center and a number of high school students. In addition to the visual art pieces, there will be live performances.
On March 15, Sawyer Fredericks, an acoustic guitarist and songwriter, will be performing his songs from 11a.m. to 1p.m. Then, from 2p.m. to 3p.m., the “Any Good Thing!” old time radio play performers will perform a radio play written by Jay Towne. On March 22, acoustic guitarist and songwriter Emily Smith will be performing from 11a.m. to 1p.m., followed by the Boice’s Woodwind Studio Ensemble from 1:15p.m. to 2:30p.m.
The event will feature a silent auction of artists’ works, the proceeds from which will go towards supporting the Creative Connection Arts Center. On the second Saturday, prizes will be awarded to works in eight categories as judged by a professional artist. The categories are acrylics, oils, mixed media, photography, sculpture, watercolor, pen or pencil, and textile or fiber art.
Jordan recently opened her own art studio, the Kitenkaboodle Arts Studio. She hopes that the showcase will become a regular event for local artists to display their work. For the community at large, she hopes simply that “people will be inspired to take a class or just visit.”
Refreshments will be served, and a raffle will be held. The event is free to attend.
