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A few passing clouds. Low 72F. Winds light and variable..

A few passing clouds. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.

SAGA’s first V Higgins Paint Out was a huge success on so many levels. I would like to thank all who were involved with the first (and yes I so hope this is just the beginning) V Higgins Paint Out that occurred Saturday July 16. What an impression we left for those attending and especially for those from out of town. It was an outstanding event SAGA and Shelby County Tourism set up for our bicentennial along with the sponsors.

I know through my own experience with events and festivals like this, that is is always just a small hand full of volunteers that give their own personal time and endless effort to pull off such events and many times do this without any thanks or praise only to benefit and offer something to others and our community. If there were hiccups in the pre-planning (as any new event normally would have) their first attempt was pulled off without any perception of problems and with much praise from all who participated-especially those that were from out of town and those who were pros at doing such event; me? well it was my first time. I overheard several participants say several times it was the best paint out they had ever attended and from their work and from what I could gather, several had attended many. They were more skilled and professional than I. A lady, whom I met that was from Columbus, kept talking about how beautiful our town was and how wonderful it was for us to honor Victor Higgins in having a paint out. This event drew just as many people for out of town as there were locals participating.

Throughout town and around the square, there were spots of artist set up painting outside. This was so uplifting and inviting to see. Curious onlookers would stop and watch and ask questions. The thought that maybe this could encourage just one to become interested in art is inspiring on its own.

As an artist “wannabe,” I don’t always get the time (or make the time) to devote to drawing or painting like I would like. Life just seems to get in the way. Working 40 plus hours a week, family stuff, volunteerism, I just don’t set aside time for me. This day made me do that. Needless to say, I was worried about completing a piece within a given time frame, especially since I felt rusty.

I had not done any art work for over six months. It normally takes me days to work on a project. I tend to pick and over think it … never quite accomplishing or pleased with the look or it never feeling like it is good enough … (I remember taking a class from local artist Wayne Campbell many years ago and he actually walked by and took the paint brush from my hand!) But I guess we are all our worse judge. Steve, my better half who participated in the paint out as well, paints “Bob Ross” style, so I know he would not have any problems finishings. But I did it! Yes!

I was out of my comfort zone. I had mastered the skill of knowing when to call it done and being able to complete a painting within a reasonable amount of time. This event also taught me how much I miss it. How much my soul needs it. Made me promise to myself I am not going to let another six months go by before I set my pastels on paper and create another painting.

In closing, I would just like to say to all the naysayers about the downtown square … please take a look around and walk around the downtown area. Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have and when you have people from out of town praising your community and your downtown area … maybe, just maybe, it is not so bad …

Also again, a heartfelt “Thank You” to all who were involved with creating, planning, sponsoring, and working this event. It not only brought attention to our new beautiful downtown, but brought much needed attention to the wonderful artist we have locally and helped SAGA gain some well deserved recognition (and a few more members … I know Steve and I will be joining).

To all involved … Thank you for encouraging and spreading art in our community. Afterall, Picaso was right when he said “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” The V Higgins Paint Out did just that!

Rhonda Schwegman is an ad rep for The Shelbyville News. She is also volunteers time to keep the arts alive in Shelby County.

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