ART IN BLOOM. “Susan’s Blossoms” by Lindamerry Udell, who will be teaching a free course at the Heyde Center for the Arts.

Chippewa Falls High School and the Heyde Center for the Arts are partnering with local artist Lindamerry Udell to bring free art classes to those who are interested in learning how to paint and draw but can’t afford art materials or class fees. 

The classes will focus on art journaling, which is very similar to a traditional written journal, but utilizes colors, images, patterns, and more to fill its pages. The classes will be open to a maximum of 30 people, beginning in mid September and continuing once a month until April 2023. 

“We are never too old to learn something new – Monet didn’t start seriously painting until his wife died in his 40s. Folk artist Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until she was in her 70s. Georgia O’Keeffe  painted throughout the later years of her life,” pointed out Deb Johnson, Executive Director of the Heyde Center.

Lindamerry Udell

Lindamerry Udell graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University and teaches jewelry making in the evenings. “This is right up my alley,” Udell said. “Teaching art classes is something I really enjoy, and I’m so happy to be able to give back to our community.” 

Chi-Hi Academic Chairperson and Art Club Advisor Jennifer Handrick and some high school art students will be providing individualized support during the classes, an opportunity for both the students and class attendees learning and bonding opportunities. 

Handrick came up with the idea for the collaboration, the courses covering drawing basics, color pencil, color markers and patterns, and watercolor painting. 

Initial art material costs are covered by a grant from the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, with registration for the classes opening Friday, Aug. 12, at 10am. 

In April, the class will offer two special classes that will include a walk-through of the Art Appreciation Tour on April 19 and 26.

Keep with the Heyde Center for the Arts on their Facebook and website! Reach out to Debra Johnson (djohnson@cvca.net), the Center’s Executive Director, for further questions. Registration opens Friday, Aug. 12, at 10am, on the Heyde Center site.