Learn to Turn at STMA’s Holiday Family Workshop
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, November 10, 2010
This season, would you like to create your very own unique handmade Christmas ornament that will make your holidays sparkle? Just plan to attend the Steffen Thomas Museum’s next Arts Outreach Family Workshop – Turn, Turn, Turn. Participants will first decorate and paint pre-crafted holiday ornaments in the shape of Frosty the Snowman figures. They will then have the opportunity of learning how to operate a woodworking lathe. All supplies will be provided.
Well-known wood turner and sculptor, Dan Thoman, and local artist, Linda Thoman, will teach the workshop scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum.
The Thomans work out of their Buckhead studio where Dan creates wooden bowls, vases, boxes, puzzles, sculpture and custom-made furniture, while Linda paints with watercolor, acrylics and oils, and makes whimsical stained glass sun catchers and unique tops for Dan’s jewelry boxes.
Both describe themselves as self-taught artists who benefited from a bounty of local tutoring.
According to Linda, “I was born an artist into an art family, and I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding career. I truly believe art is vitally important,” she explained, “especially now since our world is so filled with uncertainty and strife. Art is part of our very essence. It fosters understanding, communication and respect along with an appreciation of beauty and joy. We must not loose sight of the fact that art is a true celebration of nature and life.
“These are some of the reasons I’m so drawn to STMA’s Family Workshops,” she continued. “They’re not just about sustaining the museum, but sustaining the community in the larger sense.”
An environmental engineer, Dan started working on wood, metal and stone sculpture decades ago out of his garage. He’s used a lathe for several years, and describes it as one of his favorite tools. “Woodworking with a lathe is a fun, stress-reducing, addictive hobby,” he said. “You can have the worst possible day. But when you stick a piece of wood on your lathe, start working and watch those wood chips fly, all your problems disappear.”
If you’d like to discover Dan’s art, he’s offering a free class in woodworking using a lathe. Just call him at (706) 342-3156.
The museum’s workshop fees are $10 for adults, $8 for children; STMA members receive a $2 discount. Those in financial need may attend free of charge. Reservations are required. Please call (706) 342-7557.
The STMA Arts Outreach Program provides family workshops for art enthusiasts of all ages one Saturday a month at the museum. All sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon.
The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, located at 4200 Bethany Road, Buckhead, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and directions, please visit www.steffenthomas.org or call (706) 342-7557.