Olivia Thomason makes a living by painting. She also teaches others how to paint, but with a different objective. “It’s great fun,” says the award-winning artist. “There is an emotional satisfaction that comes when you discover all those creative talents you have that are just waiting to be released.”
Ms. Thomason’s art classes begin soon in Stone Mountain Historic Village in the comfortable confines of Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church, popularly known as “The Village Church.” This new project is a continuation of art teaching Ms. Thomason began going back to her days as a successful gallery owner at her renowned Primitive Eye Gallery in Decatur. “We had classes for seniors, children and even hosted art instructions for an acting school. These were filled with joy, laughter and more than a little emotional satisfaction,” she recalls.
“I’ve continued art instruction after moving to Stone Mountain,” she says, “and several community leaders encouraged me to start classes that would serve the community and bring some happiness to others. I was on board immediately and the response has been enthusiastic.”
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The classes will begin on February 4 , meet for two hours from 10a.m. until 12 noon and continue each Tuesday for six weeks. Held in the historic church, now celebrating 165 years of service, parking is ample and free with easy access to restaurants, coffee shops and the surrounding community. The $100 dollar cost includes everything from instruction to materials like paint, canvass and brushes. The fellowship and goodwill are free.
Enrollment is easy.
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Contact Olivia Thomason by phone or email:
(404) 988-7511
Registration closes on January 25.
Notable paintings by Olivia Thomason, proclaimed by Atlanta historian and author Dr. Richard Funderburke as “the queen of Georgia folk artists,” include “Connemara,” Pulitzer Prize winning author Carl Sandburg’s home in Flat Rock, North Carolina, “Angels Over Atlanta,” a tribute to the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves, the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, The Decatur Arts Festival, The Avondale Estates Arts Festival, the Dekalb Historical Society, The Jack Daniel’s International Barbecue Invitational, Fitzgerald, Georgia’s Corn Palace, and numerous national charities. Her mural is at the top of the pavilion overlooking Stone Mountain’s Main Street. Recently, her painting commissioned by Art Station Theater was unveiled and is permanently exhibited in the main lobby. This past December, Ms Thomason was a featured artist during “Candlelight Nights” at the Atlanta History Center. Her painting, “Johnny Comes Marching Home,” was acquired by the landmark institution.
“There is so much talent within each of us,” says Ms. Thomason. “These classes will overflow with fun and laughter. You’ll be surprised at how creative each person really is.”
Plans for future classes in the spring and summer months will be announced.
