Arts In April – Showing What Art Means To Oskaloosa
Charlene decided to do the Intro to Zumba classes for Arts in April to help raise awareness and create more opportunities for the community to be involved. She became a certified instructor because she likes to dance and this is actually her first foray into teaching classes. The class itself was elbow to elbow this week and last, with many saying they will come again next week. (photo by Carissa Osborn/Oskaloosa News)
by Carissa Osborn
The Oskaloosa Art Center, run by Fine Arts and Cultural Events (FACE) of Mahaska county is giving the community many opportunities to see what exactly the arts have to offer. Arts in April, is the Art Center’s way of showing what art means to Oskaloosa as well as the many different forms it can take on. One event that is turning out to be a much bigger success than expected is the Intro to Zumba classes available on Monday evenings through the month of April.
The classes are taught by local artist, Charlene Ryan, who has been involved in the Art Center for about a year and a half. Charlene previously rented a studio space at the Art Center, which she says “is a great way to not have all that mess in your house. You’ve got a place to go and you feel a little more artistic. So, it’s a lot of fun.” The studio spaces are available to rent by the month and can be leased for a short or long period of time. Charlene decided to do the Intro to Zumba classes for Arts in April to help raise awareness and create more opportunities for the community to be involved. She became a certified instructor because she likes to dance and this is actually her first foray into teaching classes. The class itself was elbow to elbow this week and last, with many saying they will come again next week.
Briana Bartlett, President of FACE, spoke about the other events available at the Art Center in April including a knitting night every Tuesday this month. The knitting night though, is not limited to just that as they welcome anyone interested in yarn arts. You may be seeing some of the results of those nights around Oskaloosa thanks to another event called Yarnbombing, which is meant to brighten up the town and create another avenue for artists to express themselves. Briana also discussed the postcard nights which give people the opportunity to create a small work of art which can be mailed, taken home, or left at the center for them to distribute, which Briana describes as “a little burst of positive energy here and there”
Other events at the Art Center include a High School Art club that started in February that does a variety of projects including henna, clay projects, and t-shirts; a Art UnCorked Night on April 29th; and next month they will be having a quilting night. There are also memberships available for individuals, couples, students, and families. Anyone interested in becoming involved or looking for more information can find a calendar on the FACE website or visit the Oskaloosa Art Center Facebook page.
