Courtney Mealy loves keeping art alive and well across the Bradford area. She enjoys helping students find their creative voice and develop their artistic talent.
So much so, that she will lead an adult art program this summer at the Bradford Area Public Library, to be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
“I think this series will be a great platform for individuals to release their creativity or to learn about new techniques, methods and projects,” she said. “I am looking forward to working with our community members and meeting many new people through this series.”
Mealy is a local artist and assistant director of arts programming at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She studied art and art history in college and has worked several arts-related jobs. She got her start in teaching community art classes in 2009.
“She brings a combination of arts education practices and passion for the arts to her work,” said Colette Roessler, adult programming and marketing coordinator at the library. “Having worked for universities and non-profit organizations, she is inspired by how the arts play a role in community and personal development.”
A jewelry-making class will be held June 11. Mealy will give background on crystals and gemstones and then instruct how to make jewelry out of gemstones.
Cost is $10; class size is limited to 10 people.
On June 25, Mealy will lead a painting class. Cost is $5, and the class is capped at 10 people.
Individuals will be able to make tissue paper dyed scarves July 9.
“Participants will tear tissue paper and arrange on a scarf to create a pattern or fold up to create a colorful abstract pattern,” library officials said. “These scarves will go home with participants wet with instructions on how to finish the scarf at home.”
Only 10 people can attend the workshop; the fee is $5.
On July 23, participants will create multiple name/sayings of various hand-lettering techniques and explore methods to create letters
The workshop is restricted to 12 people at a cost of $5.
Vision boards will be the topic of the Aug. 13 workshop.
“A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal. Literally, a vision board is any sort of board on which you display images that represent whatever you want to be, do or have in your life,” library officials said.
Class is open to 12 individuals; the fee is $5.
On Aug. 27, people will be to take part in coloring. The workshop is limited a dozen people; the cost is $5.
Participants must pre-register and prepay for the workshops. Materials will be provided. People can register at the circulation desk.
“Adult patrons asked about art programs just for adults,” Rossler said. “I wanted to create a series of art workshops that would meet twice a month in response to their request. My goal was to create a variety of art programs that would offer something for everyone. In addition to the art programs that we offer children, tweens and teens, I wanted to offer something just for adults.”
