The ability for people of all ages to explore their creativity through the fun of painting was offered at the Faulkner County Library on Jan. 22 at its event, Tiny Art Paint Party.
This precursor party allowed for kids, parents, grandparents and teens to come and get in touch with their creative side by painting on mini canvases that will later be displayed in the tiny art show from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Feb. 20.
Paint brushes, mini canvases, art supplies and colors of all sorts were available for participants to use with complete creative freedom, resulting in numerous expressions of art.
Katie Scott, the Faulkner County Library youth director, said the idea for an event like this started when she saw other library systems do similar exhibits on Facebook.
Scott said, “It was only for youth and then we thought, actually this would be really fun for all ages.”
This event is not only inclusive for any age but it encourages people to get crafty by making them feel important just for showing up and trying.
“The goal is to just encourage people to do art. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Did it make you happy? Did you enjoy it? That’s what matters,” said adult coordinator Jen Beritiech.
Taking away the standard of “perfect” and letting the space be comfortable caused participants to have less care about how their art looked and care more about how it made them feel.
High school sophomore Caleigh Hardy said, “It helps me loosen up. Sometimes I can be a little tense so it helps me relax and just have fun.”
Hardy is also a member of the library’s teen volunteer program and enjoys all the events and activities the library hosts for all different members of the community.
Scott said the event gives each person the opportunity to title their piece and discuss the mediums they used and any accessories included.
“It lets our artists shine and kind of explain their art more,” Scott said.
This information will then be shared when their art is on full display at the Feb. 20 tiny art show.
Hardy said, “Today I’m painting a landscape. I felt inspired by my peers and reality.”
Hardy’s table was full of different mediums, laughter and encouragement from one artist to another.
This is Faulkner County Library’s second time putting on its tiny art paint party and show.
“The goal is to make it better every year and to listen to the community and find out what they like and what really got them excited,” said Beritiech who wants to include more feedback from the participants and community in general.
“Our reception is even bigger than last year because we’re going to have the Hendrix Chamber Orchestra perform at it. And we have a red carpet we roll out and try to make it a big deal,” Scott said when talking about the adjustments made to develop the event even further.
