Creating success
- Mark Jahne
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Wethersfield Art League adds members and classes
by Mark Jahne
Editor
Photos by Mark Jahne
You can learn how to paint, draw, carve wood and so much more at the Wethersfield Art League.
The venerable nonprofit arts organization that was founded in 1954 is seeing an increase in membership. Classes are taught at its Little Red Schoolhouse near the intersection of Welles and Wolcott Hill roads.
Warren Blessing, who lives across town, is a co-president. At 76 years old, he’s long retired from the working world but remains active when it comes to art and his favorite activity, wood carving.
He is a past president of the Mystic Woodcarvers. The WAL has a carving class every Thursday that he leads.
This is a fairly new addition to the league’s schedule of workshops and classes. Sixteen people have registered to learn the necessary skills. Blessing is among the more recent folks to join.
“I’m probably one of the newest people,” he said. “Painting is what I’m taking up now. People can come paint together.”
He registered to take a class in beginner acrylics.
“We’ve always had a little bit of a carving history here,” he added.
The league boasts approximately 80 members and one does not need to live in town to join. Monthly meetings that include free demonstrations are held from March through November at the Pitkin Community Center.
“These are free and open to the public,” he said. “The intent [when the league was founded] was to have a significant role in the cultural life of Wethersfield.”
The goal is not to make money, just to pay the bills. Classes are offered at what he called” break-even” prices. The league enjoyed the use of the schoolhouse, which is owned by the town, for many years at no cost. Issues raised by some taxpayers about what they termed a sweetheart deal changed that.
“We are paying rent now. We weren’t before,” Blessing said.
Members benefit from demonstrations, exhibitions, lectures, classes, workshops and the ability to work in a welcoming social and creative space. Annual dues are $45 for an individual and $40 for a family.
Pat Yagmin, formerly of Wethersfield and now of Rocky Hill, is the other co-president. She joined so long ago that she can’t recall the exact date.
“It’s got to be 20 years, at least,” she said.
“I have done art and I found out there was a league. I like it because the classes we offer are a good price for people.”
Some classes are repeated by popular demand. She finds painting a nice break from everyday life. Others apparently agree.
“We have fun. Art brings out a lot of people,” Yagmin said. “I enjoy all kinds of media. My best is probably water color and acrylic.”
She plans to reduce her role and expects that Blessing will become the next president.
“We’re lucky we found Warren. He’s so well organized,” she said.
WAL strives to maintain a public presence by being visible at various events. It participates in Scarecrows Along Main, two local craft fairs, Porchfest, Cornfest and Bicycles on Main.
Upcoming classes include needle felting, pastels and wreath decorating. Artists sometimes join forces with members of the Newington Art League to paint outdoors.
They can sell their works at the Wethersfield Historical Society’s annual craft show at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center. People from multiple towns make up the league’s membership.
One of the attractions is that it offers classes for beginners. The hope is that this will attract new blood and new energy.
“We just did our strategic planning for the year. We’re trying to get younger people in here,” Blessing said.
Currently on display in the Little Red Schoolhouse are paintings by the late Diane Marinaro. A longtime member, she died this past June at the age of 107. WL
The Little Red Schoolhouse is located at 193 Wells Road. For more information call 860-500-7899 or visit wethersfieldartleague.org.