ATHENS-It’s summertime, where the livin’ is easy and the cotton is high, according to the Ella Fitzgerald hit, and in Downtown Athens, art is on a slow simmer at High Cotton Arts.
Studio artists are hosting Slow Simmer Sundays on July 9, 16, 23 and 30 that offer the community an opportunity to enjoy livin’ easy through art. Classes will range from parents creating artwork with their children to exploring yoga and therapeutic creativity.
According to a study published in “Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association,” 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lessens stress in the body, regardless of artistic talent. The study is called “Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making,”
Artist Sonya Gordon is hosting the mini-yoga and therapeutic watercolor class.
“My class is an introspective journey where we search out questions within ourselves and find the answers through the process of painting,” she said. “We discover attributes about ourselves and are able to translate those into a watercolor painting that is unique to ourselves.”
High Cotton Arts is a non-profit art incubator located at 103 West Washington Street. Athens Arts League operates the facility for studio artists, art classes and cultural events. Slow Simmer Sundays is a new event created by Athens Arts League Vice Chair Diane Lehr and the studio artists to reach those who want to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with their imagination and away from the afternoon heat.
Here are the list of classes:
- Mommy and Me by Sonya Gordon
(Can also be Daddy and Me or Grandparent and Me)
July 9 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost is $20 and includes supplies
Watercolor class for ages 2-5 years old and accompanied by a mom, dad or grandparent. The child and adult will create a matted art piece and explore colors, mixing colors and applying paint to paper. Class size is limited. To register email Gordon at sonyagordonfineart.com or at sonyasdesk@gmail.com.
- Summer Birdhouse by Sanda Bishop
July 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost is $40 and includes all supplies
Paint and create an 18-inch door hanger that features a birdhouse with flowers and bird. Class is limited to 12. To register call Bishop at 256-777-5066 or email her at sandabishop@gmail.com.
- Mind/Body/Soul Creative Journey by Melissa Wright and Sonya Gordon
July 23 at 4 p.m.
Cost is $30 and includes supplies
This class combines mini-yoga and therapeutic watercolor for ages 13 years old and up. To register email Gordon at sonyagordonfineart.com or at sonyasdesk@gmail.com.
- A Tribute to Native American Heritage by Tina Swindell and tentatively the Echota Cherokee tribe
July 30 with times to be announced
Performance will be free if the Echota Cherokee tribe performers confirm availability
Members of the Echota Cherokee tribe are planning to perform songs for the community. Swindell will have a Native American-themed art class following the performance. The art class requires registration and is $35. To register contact Swindell at 256-497-3838 or by e-mail at TinaS@pclnet.net.
