Photo By Jerry Baker/Freelance
Spring student Sierra Kozlowski showed off her art skills as part of the Paint The Woodlands event held at Market Street
The Woodlands Art League, a longtime resource center and exhibition space for creative types in the area, is taking its mission to the streets - and inviting the community to join in the fun.
The nonprofit hosted "Paint The Woodlands" and League members were scattered throughout The Woodlands - painting, sculpting, taking photos, drawing, creating mixed-media pieces and even crafting jewelry.
The art created during "Paint The Woodlands" will be available for viewing and purchase during a live and silent auction at the reception. There will also be a "buy now" option. All proceeds will benefit the Woodlands Art League.
Kim Wallace, events director for the league, created wire sculptures along Woodlands Parkway.
"In The Woodlands, we're surrounded by beauty," she said. "We're putting out a call to our community, and we hope it becomes an annual event."
Wallace said she discovered the league when she was perusing the Market Street shopping center - where the gallery was housed before it relocated to Grogan's Mill two years ago.
"I went to my first meeting, and I've been hooked ever since," she said.
Wallace said that the group helped her make new friends in her new neighborhood. "By the end of the year, I felt like I had been here my whole life," she said. "The league has profoundly changed my art, my life and my friendships."
Abby Salazar, president of The Woodlands Art League, explained that the group originally formed in the 1980s to help develop local interest in the visual arts through teaching, demonstrations, exhibitions and community involvement.
"We have a lot of people who have been in the art league for a long time," Salazar said.
She said those long-standing members serve as guides for emerging artists.
"If you have any type of art experience at all, you should come to The Woodlands Art League," Salazar said. "We can develop those talents. Even if you just want to tinker, we have programs for that."
The group meets regularly on the fourth Thursday of each month for demonstrations and to review the business of running the league. There are also several painting groups open to members - including the Monday portrait group, still life and plein (open) air painting group, Wednesday night portrait group, Thursday figure group and Thursday afternoon drawing group.
Members also have the opportunity to show in the gallery, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. They also are invited to show during off-site events.
Salazar said that members are required to pay a fee to show, annual dues and volunteer their time to run the gallery and teach techniques.
She said that member dues are covering the cost of the lease for the league's gallery on Grogan's Mill. Before, the league had to rely on donated spaces to keep afloat.
"We're celebrating our 33rd anniversary this year," Salazar said. "We've kind of bounced around, but we're making our own way now."
The league has also been expanded its youth programs and is working more with community partners like Habitat for Humanity and The Woodlands high School's Art Trust, Salazar added.
"I love being a part of a team that's working to make the world a better place," she said. "I believe that's what we're doing. I believe in this organization - and in helping people find their vision and find their voice."