"When people are competing, I find that energy to be very constrictive. Being open and sharing and loving, that's really the best gift you can give yourself. It multiplies what you're doing instead of constricting it."
Tania Knudsen's philosophy on art is the same philosophy she has brought to the Art on the Creeks fine art showcase, now in its fifth year. When her students at Studio 7 in Rogers wanted to put together a show for their work six years ago -- and had a very successful turnout -- Knudsen and the other organizers decided to invite regional artists to show as well, expanding the opportunities for even more artists.
FAQ
Art on the Creeks
WHEN — 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
WHERE — Village on the Creeks in Rogers
COST — Free to the public; art, food and beer & wine for sale
INFO — facebook.com/Artont…, lifestylesinc.org
BONUS — See more art at nwadg.com/features/…
"I think it's a beautiful metaphor. [The show] was birthed out of Studio 7 and symbolically, it's like an embrace -- a circle of support and love," Knudsen says of the show's layout. The event takes place at Village on the Creeks and features more than 70 artists. In the courtyard of the venue will be the artists who were juried in to the event, and the work of the Studio 7 artists will be on display on the sidewalk surrounding the courtyard.
The students "are lifting up all the people in the courtyard as well as themselves," Knudsen continues. "A lot of Studio 7 artists, if they had [submitted their art], they would have been juried in. But they're giving those spaces [to other artists] and they're on the sidewalk cheering them on."
As a teacher at Studio 7, Knudsen sees herself as more a guide or facilitator than educator. She says the workshops at the studio -- which welcome everyone from established artists to those who have never held a brush -- strive to help students find their own voice and their own message.
She says her students are a success "as soon as they walk in the door. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself in a situation where you don't know if you're going to succeed. When they're willing to fail, push past something that makes them comfortable, that's when they're successful."
This idea of inclusion and support laid the foundation for Art on the Creeks and particularly for partnering with the art program at Life Styles Inc. The nonprofit organization serves individuals with disabilities by providing supportive living, employment and educational programming -- which includes the art program. Clients who participate in the art program will also have the opportunity to display their works in various media at Art on the Creeks, and a portion of the event's proceeds will benefit Life Styles.
The art program "allowed us to see what individuals with disabilities can do when given the opportunity and the support," says Carol Hart, the founder of Life Styles and an artist at Studio 7. "I've seen a lot of progress [with many of the individuals]. Just the exposure to the various materials and the freedom to create -- for many of them, that wasn't a part of their life. Art is a universal language and for some, it is the best opportunity to communicate, a vehicle to say. 'This is my expression.'
"Tania has created an atmosphere that's so positive and so supportive," she goes on. "I can't imagine I would be sharing my art [at the event] if she hadn't said years ago, 'Well, of course you're going to show some art!' That self-fulfillment feels so good, and she has been very instrumental in keeping that attitude of we support each other, we support Life Styles, and [we] support the community."
NAN What's Up on 09/30/2016