You can see a sampling of the artwork produced by children who have taken art classes at the SouthSore Regional Library in the community art space at the library.
You can see a sampling of the artwork produced by children who have taken art classes at the SouthShore Regional Library in the community art space at the library.

By Kathy L. Collins

The Southshore Regional Library in Ruskin is hosting their Annual Art Instructors’ Art Show now through the end of October. This stunning exhibit features the artwork of 14 of the 17 art instructors that teach in the John Crawford Studio at the library. This is the sixth year of the show. It is always one of the best shows of the year and very popular with the community who benefits from the talents and expertise of the art instructors.

Laurie Burhop, the Art Coordinator for the John Crawford Studio said, “Most of our art instructors have art degrees and have been teaching art for many years. They are a varied group of people who bring lots of experience to their classes.” Burhop added, “The show comprises of drawing, painting (watercolor, acrylics and oils) and weaving.”

The John Crawford Studios offers free art classes for children, teens and adults. Registration for the classes begin about one month before the class starts. The classes typically fill up quite quickly. You can get information on upcoming classes by visiting the front desk at the library or by calling 273-3652.

Funding for the art classes is provided by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library and from a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center.

Many of the art instructors have been teaching at the John Crawford Studio for many years. These include Melissa Miller-Niece, Tim Gibbons, Diane Simon, Leah Lopez and Brenda Eastep. The two newest art instructors are Arthur Dillard who teaches teen/adult watercolor classes, and Nicole Lamothe who teaches various children’s classes.

The SouthShore Regional Library is located at 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin. For more information, please visit www.hcpl.org/home/location.

 

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