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The physical devastation caused by the Marshall Fire will likely take years to repair.
Local creatives are hoping to help combat the emotional stress brought on by the destructive blaze by letting folks join in on painting sessions, leather journal making and more at no charge.
Teachers at Particulars Art Gallery & Teaching Studio in Lafayette are offering the gift of free art classes until 2023 to those impacted by the recent Marshall Fire.
“When we started Particulars 14 years ago, we built into our mission that we would look for opportunities to support our community,” said Suzanne Connolly-Howes, one of the cooperative center’s owners. “Over the years, we have done different fundraisers and community art projects. When the Marshall Fire happened, we decided that offering free classes and free studio time was something we wanted to do for our community.”
Those interested in learning more can contact Connolly-Howes at [email protected].
“Art can be transformative,” Connolly-Howes said. “The process of creating can put us into a meditative state, calm our nervous system and be an outlet for processing that goes beyond words. We want to create a safe haven for people to be able to come and learn new skills and be in a supportive environment.”
Connolly-Howes said she is already seeing students return for more instruction.
“I have worked with one young man, and just the offer of support was a release for him,” Connolly-Howes said. “He will be coming to a couple of my April classes.”
So far, eight teachers are leaving spots open in their classes for those impacted.
“It’s the least I can do for my community,” said artist Molly Hargarten. “I want to give something of myself to them.”
Other instructors participating in the free classes are Laurie Adams, April Christenson, Scott Roebuck, Jeanne Hougen, Jeff Becker and Colleen Tucker.
In addition to allowing folks time to tap into their own self-expression and explore different mediums with an instructor, Particulars is also offering free studio space and time for artists who lost supplies and studios in the Marshall Fire.
The drop-in studio times are 12:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays and one Saturday and Sunday a month, from 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. on May 7, May 22, June 18, June 19, July 23, July 24, Aug. 13 and Aug. 21.
Those taking free classes can also come to the drop-in studio time should they want to practice outside of scheduled sessions. Some art materials will be available to use.
“Art provides the artist with an outlet for emotions that may be hard to deal with and overwhelming,” Hargarten said. “In my own case — when my mother passed away 10 years ago — I found myself sitting in my studio painting tulips. Somehow the fact that there was still beauty in the world, despite my intense feelings of loss, helped me through a difficult time. It was nice to feel pleasure in a dark time.”
From May to June and from November to December, Particulars will hold community shows where artists submit work done on 6-inch-by-6-inch boards.
The gallery plans to sponsor up to 10 Marshall Fire survivors to participate in the shows. Artists will receive 100% of the proceeds from their sold pieces.
In 2021, Particulars created a community art project called “Tree of Hope” where visitors could add to an evolving collage mural. Those who contributed were encouraged to donate $10, which was then given to Sister Carmen Community Center.
Connolly-Howes is excited to host an upcoming collaborative felted-quilt project — “Memories for the Future” — to foster healing and to help those impacted by the Marshall Fire process their trauma and grief.
The four quilt panels will be displayed at the gallery. Throughout the project, donations will be collected to provide funding for Marshall Fire victims.
The panels will eventually be donated to the towns of Superior, Louisville and Lafayette, with one panel submitted to the Governor’s Art Show in Loveland. All participants will have the opportunity to create a 12-inch-by-12-inch keepsake image for themselves.
“I hope to start the project this spring,” Connolly-Howes said. “I will be supplying all the materials and the lessons needed. People can participate one time or for as long as it takes to complete the quilt. It will be an ongoing project throughout the year, as the healing of trauma and loss comes in waves and cycles.”
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