GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Public Library is hosting two free art workshops for teens and adults.
On June 10, the library is partnering with The DAAC to offer a free intro to painting class. The workshop, with local painter and tattoo artist Carlos Sampson, will offer an introduction to concepts like color, brushwork and composition.
“(Sampson) has done many educational workshop experiences, teaching people the basics of painting,” Jason Kotarski, regional branch manager at GRPL, told News 8. “So we’re excited to have the opportunity to have an expert of their craft come in and share a little bit about getting your hands dirty with paint.”
Later that month on June 18, Muse GR and GRPL are offering workshop “Art Basics: Headshot and Still Life Photography” with Stephen Smith. Smith will teach participants about fundamentals like lighting, composition and camera settings.
Both events are free, with limited first come, first serve space. The June 10 event will take place at The DAAC building, located at 1553 Plainfield Ave., while the June 18 event will take place at Muse GR, located at 727 Leonard St. Both start at 6 p.m.
“It’s just fun to be outside of our own buildings and bringing some of our patrons to different spaces that are doing really cool creative work in the in the city and give people a chance to learn something new,” Kotarski said.
Kotarski said the library aims to do a few creative, hands-on events each season. As the library partners with DAAC and Muse GR, he hopes patrons are able to tap into their creative side as they try their hand at something new.
“I just hope that people will feel like they did something they maybe have always wanted to do or never thought that they could do, and just took a little risk and try it out in a low-stakes environment,” Kotarski said. “We have programs year-round that are just chock full of cool performers and experiences for all ages. And keeping it free is creating access for people to get out and do stuff without that pressure of figuring out how to pay for it. And we’re just so glad to get to offer that to the community.”
