A plain cardboard box full of simple, unassuming jars of paint arrived in the mail last week. Few things are more fun for an artist to get in the mail then materials- it’s like Christmas! And this particular box of paint was even more interesting then the usual shipment. A donation specifically for Treasures of Holley, sent directly from Golden Artist Colors, New York State’s very own acrylic paint company and factory. Over the past several years I’ve heard high opinions about Golden from various seasoned professionals. Perusing their site, you’ll find innovative new products (especially the mediums for mixed media artists) that really get the imagination going. Also impressive, they are far more open about safety issues, such as ingredients and toxicity, then most paint companies. There are pages of health, safety and environmental information on their website. If you paint in acrylic, I would definitely recommend checking it out.
I look at these little jars of paint and imagine the transformation of 128 square feet of blank white panel into a colorful illustration of Holley. They may look smaller then you would expect, but they’ll do the job with some to spare. The amount of paint still in the jars after a mural is finished always surprises me. But I won’t be painting 128 square feet by myself! Mrs. Zavitz’s art students at the high school will be pitching in. In exchange for their hard work, we’ll discuss all sorts of professional artist’s issues, the creative process from start to finish, and the importance of using quality materials.
I’m really looking forward to working with them, especially after meeting with Mrs. Zavitz for the first time last week. We chatted about the project as well as issues related to art in WNY, and teaching art in high school. It’s always reassuring to meet an art teacher as enthusiastic and inspired as Mrs. Zavitz. Teaming up with someone like her that is open and flexible, and willing to fit something extra into the curiculum, is a big bonus for ToH.
Me too, me too I want free paint!