A few years back, I found myself wanting more in life and community. So I became pregnant. However, that was not quite what I had in mind as a changing agent. Luckily, it has all worked out (so far). I am married to an amazing artist, work full time and have two rambunctious little boys. Although I still have a wanderlust spirit, we spend our down time locally. Our children are young, and long trips are exhausting and overwhelming.
“Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Not to mention the frequent stops for “accidents,” food and little respites. Maybe some of you can relate.
In my desire in wanting more from my muse, I was pleasantly surprised to find that painting parties had finally arrived in San Juan Bautista. Just what I needed.
Armed with brushes, acrylic paint, and with an urge to create, I gravitated to the epicenter of the local art and wine craze. No one, and surely not I, could have imagined all of the excitement in my quaint little town of San Juan at a wine bar. The boys were with their Nana (also known as Grandma) that afternoon and evening. And yes, I thought, yes I will!
With a gentle breeze blowing, Italian music filled the air as I walked into the sun-warmed patio of the local wine bar. Bear’s Hideaway was hosting the “Art on the Patio” event. I had found paradise! A three-hour mixed-media art lesson, wine and an assortment of cheese and crackers. Cheese and crackers always make for a good day.
Artist Amy Dyanne Cooper guided six ladies (including myself) through a delicate process of color texturing and blending. A true unleashing of the imagination. This was the “more” that I had longed for and just the drop of grape juice needed. The result was a 9-by-12 framed and mantel-ready painting, the summation of my creative genie at work.
When I came to those “wanting more” crossroads a few years back, I struggled with the idea of moving to a city with more activities: dance, art, music—more culture, more life. In then thinking about things San Juan didn’t offer, the art and wine event had changed my perspective. Then, it also occurred to me that maybe I didn’t always have to leave the kids with Grandma and that a space for them could be created as well.
With these ideas percolating, Amy Cooper and I have decided to start outdoor art lessons for first and second graders. The focus will be on the color wheel using a variety of mediums including water color, acrylic, and collage. The children will be taught to mix and blend vibrant colors and they will be encouraged to use their imaginations.
A Chinese proverb states that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and an American once said that the joy is in the journey. Both are accurate, and for this writer how true.
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for more info about “Art in the Park” or stop by Bear’s Hideaway to sign-up for the next “Art in the Patio” both currently scheduled on May 30.
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Sonora Vasquez is a new columnist for the Free Lance. She writes about family, motherhood, culture, aging and community involvement. She is a wife, mother, Air Force veteran, Rotarian and a lover of life. A native of San Juan, Sonora has lived in Nevada, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Italy and Japan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American Military University. She is attending graduate school and is projected to graduate in late 2015 with a masters of science in human resources.
