I want to tell people why visual art is important. That’s a large topic. It has a powerful place in some individual lives, but I believe it’s important for everyone. The fine arts have the ability to draw people together, to facilitate sharing of ourselves, our hearts, our talents. The opportunity to share the best of the stuff we produce builds community. It adds to the beauty around us. It makes people practice creativity, and all kinds of positive things come out of that – new businesses, inventions, books, solutions to our problems, safe and positive activities for our children, to name a few. Art intensifies and validates the truth of our lives. It gives us productive things to do together. All of this is important for a vibrant community, brimming with life and possibility.
Visual art is important to me because it has given me a life that fits who I am. I am an artist. I paint in watercolor and acrylics. It’s not an easy or secure life, but it is a rich one, full of discovery, adventure, struggle, and wonder.
I love teaching art.
I recently finished teaching Drawing and Design at Grays Harbor College, spring quarter. I teach private lessons to all ages at my shop, Marigold Art Studio, 425 Simpson Av, Hoquiam. And I do an art class for all ages at the Hoquiam Senior Center, in drawing, watercolor, and acrylics. I’m also very involved with a group of amazing artists and patrons-of-the-arts, The Harbor Art Guild. We operate Six Rivers Gallery, a community gallery at 210 6th St. in Hoquiam, WA.
I will be writing more about the fine arts here. In the meantime, if you want to get in touch about any of these arts activities, please contact me at kgraddy@olynet.com or 360-532-9186.
