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BEHIND THE CANVAS
Thankful for the Arts
As the cool air of November settles over our community , it invites us to pause , gather , and give thanks . Among the many blessings , the arts stand out as a profound source of inspiration , connection , and meaning . Whether through vibrant canvases , hand-shaped pottery , the strum of a guitar , or the pages of a story , the arts enrich our spirits and offer new perspectives . We are grateful for the voices of local artists , each bringing unique perspectives . Through their hands , words , and melodies , they share beauty and foster belonging-a powerful reminder that the arts are at the heart of our community .
Painter , Kristin Pierre
Potter , Maya Cantrell
Author , Sharon Owens
An Oil Painter ' s Perspective Oil painter Kristin Pierre reflects on the beauty in both art and nature : " As an oil painter , I ' m deeply thankful for the beauty God has placed throughout our world . Each time I paint , I feel privileged to capture and reflect those breathtaking landscapes on canvas . It ' s a meaningful way to connect with nature and share its beauty with others ." Kristin ' s vibrant work captures fleeting moments , bridging the artist ' s vision with the viewer ' s experience . Shaping Community Through Clay In the gentle hum of her studio , potter Maya Cantrell creates with care , knowing that her art connects people through everyday experiences . " I love that the work I make gets to be a part of people ' s daily lives . I think about how many people I get to have coffee with through my mugs in the morning and dinner on my plates in the evenings ." Her pottery reminds us that in ordinary moments-like a morning coffee or shared meal-lies extraordinary beauty . A Musician ' s Melody As evening sets , Tim Roberts strums his guitar , filling the air with deeply resonating music . " The greatest thing about music is that it connects us all ... we all experience the same emotions . Nothing makes those emotions more real than a song that feels written just for you . I ' m thankful I can tap into those emotions and make people laugh or cry with a story that rhymes ." His melodies foster unity , reminding us that we ' re never truly alone when a song touches our heart . The Magic of Writing Author Sharon Owens , known for Percy ' s Wild Hair , captures the joy of storytelling and the magic of words . " Creative writing allows me to paint with words and bring imagination to life on the page . For this gift , I am endlessly thankful ," she reflects . Her stories do more than entertain-they invite readers of all ages to explore new worlds , sparking curiosity , wonder , and connection across generations . Sharon reminds us that storytelling is a bridge between the past , present , and future , inspiring young minds to dream and older hearts to reflect .
In the words of Kristin , Maya , Tim , and Sharon , a common thread emerges : the arts are more than personal expression-they are a vital force for the soul of our community . This season of gratitude encourages us to support the artists who bring vibrancy to life . Whether attending an exhibit , joining a pottery class , enjoying live music , or reading a local book , we all have the power to nurture the creative spirit that connects us . This November , let ' s be thankful for the arts-and for the artists who inspire us to see the world through a more colorful and meaningful lens .
Tamara Scott , Pink Pelican Art Gallery
Musician , Tim Roberts
NOVEMBER 2024 9