Artists’ Workshop at the Red Bank Public Library

With record setting winter weather across the country, many are picking up their paintbrushes to brush up on their artwork.

Locals gathered Thursday night in the Library Meeting Room of the Red Bank Public Library for the second Artists’ Workshop of the year. Lead by artist Joe Bergholm, the event is advertised as an “informal monthly gathering providing space and time for artists to draw or paint and find inspiration and motivation in the company of other artists.”

For Yuka Bernard of Lawrence Harbor, inspiration was exactly what she wanted. 

“I just really wanted a chance to get inspired again by art,” she said before the event.

The night opened with a short demonstration by Bergholm about the mixing of colors. After he was finished, the attendees engaged in their own work while Bergholm circled the room. 

“I think it’s really nice because people from the community get together.  It’s an informal way to help them with the things they want to paint,” he said before the presentation.

Not only have the events grown in popularity, but Bergholm claims that he has noted improvement in a number of participants’ artwork. 

“I have provided them with some mediums that can help their work,” he asserted.

Sadhant Mehra of Marlboro has taken art classes before but does not consider himself an artist. 

“I enjoyed the art class a lot, but I haven’t drawn anything since a year ago, so I came here to try to relearn and refresh,” he said.

Bernard too has taken art classes, and says that they have always been fun. 

“It’s nice to kind of do different things,” she claimed. 

This kind of diversity was the motivation for the event’s creation.  Adult Services Librarian, Jane Eigenrauch, explained that the event was made to bring something exciting and different to the library. The program was initially created in the fall of 2009, but Bergholm was not involved until late last fall. He officially became affiliated with the program starting this year.

Another program, entitled “Drawing and Painting with Rocco Scibetta,” is scheduled for four Thursdays in March. Eigenrauch claims that this event has gotten so popular that participants must register in advance in order to guarantee a spot amongst the twenty-five people allowed to partake in the class. 

“We’ll have to see where we’re going,” she said in regards to the Artists’ Workshop.  “We hope the word spreads, but for now, it is just something pleasant for people to do.”

Mehra agrees that it is not just about learning new techniques, but rather to take pleasure in the experience as a whole. 

“The main point is to chat with others who enjoy art,” he said.

The Red Bank Public Library plans to hold the Artists’ Workshop on the first Thursday of each month for the duration of the year.  For the time being, registration is not necessary, but this could change if the program’s popularity continues to grow