CEDAR LAKE – “That’s beautiful. That one is, too,” said the art instructor in a crowded but comfortable church hall on a Wednesday evening.
When a group of more than 50 parishioners and guests gathered on April 17 in Sacred Heart Hall at Holy Name of Jesus church, their artistry generated a buzz that filled the room with color with every brush stroke.
Painters concentrated on their work – acrylic on canvas – pausing to enjoy artistic banter with their tablemates whether they were family members, friends or those they had not yet met. They looked up to view the example piece created by local painter Chris Hnatusko, and flipped the pages of a step-by-step guide to completing a hummingbird and flower scene.
“I have to have something to look at, then I can put it on paper or canvas or whatever … I don’t get frustrated. I just look, and I (reproduce) what I see,” said Tina Smith. “I really like this – coming out and meeting new people; it’s fun.”
Smith was accompanied by her granddaughter Brookelyn Rothgeb, who prepared to speak about her experience, before her grandmother chimed in, “She did great for her first time.”
Being a novice, Rothgeb was heartened by how her freshman effort turned out.
“I’m very satisfied. I started off trying to follow exactly the colors (instructed), but I thought, you know what, let’s give it a swirl of my own and add a little different color. And here we are,” Rothgeb said as she held up the canvas, which was feathered with pastel colors outlined with black, making out the shapes of a hummingbird seeking nectar near a flower.
Hnatusko continued to survey the paintings while walking about the room. She had a light-hearted exchange with aspiring artists when she said, imitating the late legendary TV painter Bob Ross, “There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.”
Also, scanning the room, Holy Name of Jesus pastor Father Patrick Gawrylewski, O.F.M., was pleased at the décor being created in the hall and even more impressed at the decorum and hospitality of the parishioners and guests.
“This is a nice opportunity for people to gather. We have parishioners and friends of parishioners here for this painting party,” Father Gawrylewski said, as he pointed out the flower in the paintings, guessing it to be a large petunia. “What I think is neat also is that this is inter-generational. It’s a good opportunity for families to also share some time in a little different way.”
The team of volunteers who coordinate Holy Name’s “Crafting with a Purpose” ministry were on hand serving refreshments, greeting guests and, as was the case with a couple of them, painting canvases. Group members said they have found success with offerings such as a Christmas wreath-making workshop.
In an age of inflated prices, the volunteers have sought to secure donated or repurposed materials. Displaying some of her redecorated greeting cards, Lorrie Nelson said the artistic adventures at Holy Name are budget-friendly. The group kept the night’s workshop fees low and that included Hnatusko’s instructional session and all the artisans items necessary to complete their project.
Colleen Boender, 79, Melanie Krcmery, 48 and Beatrice Krcmery, 14, represented one of the multi-generational family groups at the workshop. As each person essentially painted over guidelines, there would be some similarity to their finished products.
But were there differences? “Yes, because she’s an artist,” parishioner Grandma Boender said of her granddaughter. “It’s harder than it looks.”
Though each incorporated shading in the flower petals, the three family members agreed that the difference was in the details. Beatrice had the best. “I just want the best results; if I can do it, why not go all in?” she asked.
Her mom said the company was as nice as the craft. “The laughter was the best part, isn’t it wonderful?” asked Melanie.
Two guests squared their canvases as they worked on the hummingbirds’ wings, looking with the classic artist’s squint. Jenifer Wolff and her daughter Sophie Wolff were invited to the church by their neighbor Rose Marsh.
“She’s the artist in the family, she also makes jewelry and sells it,” said Jenifer Wolff of her daughter.
“I’ve done a paint class before, but nothing really (went) well,” Sophie Wolff humbly added.
Jenifer Wolff summarized the experience creating a nature scene on canvas. “Being invited to come out and do something is fun.”
Holy Name parishioner Anna Freeman observed that there was some parity to the other artists’ work, but each reflected a certain touch or inspiration.
“I think these are beginner painters, but (the people at) Sip Coffee House (in Cedar Lake) told me that if it’s good enough, they will put it on their wall and try to sell it,” said Freeman. “Everyone is unique; you give the same needlework pattern to ten different ladies and it is going to look ten different ways.”
The atmosphere in the church hall was not unlike a coffee shop or café, where parishioners felt comfortable and sociable.
“It’s a great way to meet people, and I just became a member of this church,” said Pat Contreras. “I wanted to be involved – get yourself out there.”
Marsh, a Crafting with a Purpose member, praised the painting event as an “all-of-the-above” success. She hopes to help pattern future gatherings after the colorful Wednesday workshop.
“What we encourage here at church is camaraderie,” explained Marsh, who brought her adult daughters with her.
“I invited my neighbor and her daughter. She’s a good friend of mine,” Marsh added, looking at the Wolffs.
Caption: Joanne Besich concentrates on her brush strokes as she paints a hummingbird on April 17 in Sacred Heart Hall at Holy Name of Jesus church in Cedar Lake. Part of the “Crafting with a Purpose” series, parish volunteers were happy to see more than 50 church members and guests attend the class featuring guidance for hands-on art projects. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)