It is notable that the place where the YEStudio kids have their classes, is in beautiful downtown Maryville, at Fine Arts Blount's ArtSpace. When the students arrive for classes, they scan the walls, checking to see if there are any new pieces of art. Cindy, their art teacher, occasionally takes her YES-Kids on a gallery tour, showing them different mediums and introducing them to the works of our local artists. They are always excited to have a tour. They are not afraid to express their opinions of the art. How wonderful and rare that they have the chance to be exposed to fine art every week!
Fine Arts Blount or FAB, has been growing over the years and is graced with many varieties of artists. You can see sculpture, clay, wood, photography, oils, acrylics, watercolors, fiber art, jewelry, cards, scarves and even some gorgeous hats. It is a fun place to shop for a very special gift.
FAB is always up to something wonderful. They have chili suppers and specially themed exhibits, and offer a variety of classes for kids and adults in most mediums. FAB is highly involved in Arts in the Park, Last Friday Art Walk and in April, the Kite Festival will be hosted by FAB at Pearsons Springs Park, an extension of Sandy Springs Park in Maryville. Artists are encouraged to paint a kite to enter. Children will be making and painting kites at the scene. On March 13th, teenagers are invited to paint a kite at the Blount County Library. This is the second annual Kite Festival in Maryville and promises to be outstanding with many bright colors in the air. In fact, it is called, "Art in the Sky".
FAB artists are given the opportunity to showcase their works in other exciting venues. Some of these are: the Maryville Municipal building, Pellissippi, Maryville College, the Art on the Runway fund raiser, the Umbrella auction, and the Tie Dye, Black Tie Affair.... just to name a few! Follow this link to: www.fineartsblount.com for lots more information.
These 'times' are difficult for many and the arts are among those in peril. However, art will endure as it has through the centuries. It is important to keep the faith, keep the chin up and march on through!
Above, you can enjoy some of Cindy's fine art. She does pen and ink stippling and then sometimes colorizes her pieces using pastels and acrylics. Thanks to influences at FAB, she is branching out in her use of other mediums. Go see more of her work at: www.cjartist.etsy.com
