Art Classes-An Uplifting Winter Tonic

~Doc Lawrence

On a cold and dreary day, laughter is always near if you look and listen. Each Tuesday morning, a delightful group of artists-in-training meet at majestic Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church. The gathering is an art class-not your ordinary one-comprised of women and one gentleman who are finding those latent talents deep within their creative souls that have been waiting to be released into something meaningful.

Olivia Thomason serves as the instructor who ignites the spark that begins the transformation of a blank white canvass into an image. The process that taps the soul is more challenging than taking a photo with a smart phone. Here, the imagination flows into the fingers guiding a paintbrush with fresh wet paint onto a surface. When finished, there is the satisfaction of knowing that the artist within all God’s children has been released.

Responding to requests from local civic leaders, Ms. Thomason launched her classes in early February, meeting each Tuesday for two hours for six weeks. The class roster almost instantly filled to capacity. “I’ve taught art classes for children, seniors and even an acting company, but this particular group is truly special.” She added that everyone lost their shyness immediately as camaraderie filled the room.

Olivia Thomason is no newcomer to the art scene. Praised by critics like Atlanta historian and author Richard Funderburke as “the queen of folk art in Georgia,” she has been awarded as Atlanta’s artist of the year and her renowned gallery in Decatur won gallery of the year on multiple occasions. Many of her paintings are in prestigious collections throughout the country and some paintings gained national acclaim, notably, “Connemara,” Carl Sandburg’s home in Flat Rock, N.C., and “Angels over Atlanta,” her tribute to the 1995 Atlanta Braves World Series Championship.

Olivia Thomason’s tribute to American soldiers in all wars, “Johnny Marches Home,” was recently acquired by the renowned Atlanta History Center and her commissioned painting, “Art Station-Then and Now,” is permanently exhibited in Art Station’s lovely foyer.

The next session of classes, according to Ms. Thomason, will begin “in time for spring.” New members are welcomed. Parking is convenient and free. Just contact her at (404) 988-7511 or email: bigoart1@yahoo.com.