Kim Shorts: Painting the moon for a good cause
You would think taking your first painting lesson while having a pint of beer, would be a questionable mix!
It turns out, for a group of novice painters, it produced good results under the guiding hand of painting instructor Lisa Farrell.
That was the theme at the Feb. 19 Paint and Pint fund-raiser for Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey. Hosted by Grey Matter in downtown Kincardine, it drew 24 people for a fun evening, learning to paint with acrylic on canvas. The two-hour event raised $850.
Painting instructor Lisa Farrell (left), and Danielle Bois, community relations and fund development co-ordinator at Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey, at the Paint and Pint event
I’ll be the first to admit that I have never painted, which may seem odd since I come from an extremely artistic family. I have a daughter and sister who paint, as does my grandmother. They have created great paintings that leave me wanting. There’s another sister who creates awesome stained-glass pieces. My home is a homage to their beautiful works of art.
My “artistic” talents humbly take the form of words.
I figured the ability to paint must come from something inside of you. I was just not cut out for it. But at the nudging of friends, Marilyn Bull and Carol Cook, and since this event was for a good cause, I decided to go with them and attempt my first painting ever.
However, when I saw the sample painting that Farrell was going to get us to paint, my confidence fell several notches - a golden moon surrounded by dark moody trees with a white owl swooping out.
This was not going to go well, I thought.
Donating her time to this event, Farrell (left) told a nervous me to relax and just take it one step at a time. Having a beer did indeed help with that. She had the group paint the picture in stages as she walked us through each step.
I surprised myself as I was pretty proud of my brightly-painted moon and dark trees - the crooked owl not so much. But for me, it was a start.
As I looked about at the artwork of the other painters, I was amazed by what each had created. My Grade 5-level painting was a poor comparison to some of the Group of Seven-like paintings around me. Wow, these people were talented!
It was a joy to be there, surrounded by all that artwork, but it was a very different and challenging experience for me. The event was fun as we supported each other’s brush strokes through the evening. If you are looking for a hobby, painting might be a good start.
Best of all, the painting event supported a worthwhile organization.
Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey is a non-profit organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Service and Ministry of the Attorney General. But in order to continue to operate all of its services, the group needs to raise $150,000 annually.
Danielle Bois, community relations and funds development co-ordinator at the Women’s House, said the funds raised from the Paint and Pint event will go toward programming.
She noted the organization has a number of fund-raising events held throughout the year. It is working on a fashion show, hosted by Kincardine Pride, planned for this spring, and will also have the annual fall gala.
I hope the plans include another painting fund-raiser. I need to brush up on my painting skills!
Kim Dixon (left), Marilyn Bull and Carol Cook with their paintings
Written ByKim Dixon started her career in journalism in Manitoba, and was a writer for both non-profit and corporate clients. She writes short stories and is active with the area’s Writers' BLOC. She is also a volunteer VON fitness instructor in Kincardine. Jan. 1, 2025, she took her first polar plunge into Lake Huron.
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