Despite windy and wild weather (which resulted in a dozen-hour power outage for Eastport and surrounding communities), EAC's Ornament Making Party, held on the evening of Wednesday, December 11, was a great success. Attendees included family groups, visitors to the area, and a few adults new to crafting. Instructors Sara Myrick, Ann Cannizzaro and Nia Aretakis each devised their own project for participants: upcycled snow globes; shell ornaments; and painted ‘elf stars’. The trio of instructors were energetic yet gentle, guiding participants to express themselves with a wide variety of materials. The EAC was full of happy chatting voices, glitter aloft, and plenty of hot glue successfully tying it all together. A special guest of the event was Alison Brennan, EAC's former Education & Outreach Coordinator and the person who originally dreamed up the ornament making party concept.
The event was greatly supported by April Mullins, who has found learning in community at Eastport Arts Center an inspiring growth experience.
"It is clear that the Arts Center is working to make art and music accessible to everyone, no matter what their capabilities are. Since summer, I have leapt outside my comfort zone and participated in many workshops. I was a dud at all of them, but each time I learned something about myself and could express a memory, a desire or a belief, and met people who had so much to share. Something emerged that I was unaware of. And I’m a better, more understanding person because of it."
After attending ukulele class with Gene Nichols; ceramic hand-building with Barbara Moskol; gel printing with Anne Black; and net-making with Jen Maffett, April was inspired to sponsor one of the three instructors of the Arts Center's December 11 Ornament Making Party, to allow a full scale 'three ring circus' style in keeping with EAC tradition from before Covid times. The three workshop stations on offer at the party maximized one-on-one time for students and teachers. Several of the attendees had never done any crafting before, and were given introductory level instruction, with humor and fun.
April, who has witnessed these types of interactions at EAC, noted, "I love the relationship between the instructors and the participants. Even with a less skilled participant, the instructors are patient and kind and willing to help you understand the process. And aside from the process, you learn so much from the other participants who have different insights. We are all learning to express ourselves in positive ways. Keep up the good work!"
Thanks to all who participated in the workshop, with special kudos for the three joyful instructors, dubbed 'the professors' by attendee Sussan Coley. To inquire about supporting educational offerings at Eastport Arts Center, please email workshops@eastportartscenter.org. An exciting lineup of offerings is being planned for 2025. More information may be found at eastportartscenter.org.
