If you’re looking for something inexpensive to do that is interesting, artistic and safe in these days of social distancing, sign up for workshops sponsored by the Pasco Fine Arts Council at the Avalon Park Amenity Center in Wesley Chapel.
These upcoming workshops are taught by local artists and welcome beginning artists. They are fun, informative and a great way to unwind and learn something new.
Classes are limited to just eight students, and Zoom participation also is welcome. To keep class sizes small, students must sign up prior to the day of the workshop — there are no same-day registrations. Classes are free, although there may be a small charge for provided materials.
The Pasco Fine Arts Council Inc., has been the local arts agency for Pasco County since 1978. Over the past 30 years, its goal has been to encourage community involvement in the arts, provide art education to residents and students, and stimulate art and cultural organizations throughout Pasco County.
From this Council sprung the Pasco Fine Arts Center, where artwork by local and renowned artists are exhibited at its studio locations in New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel. Its programming includes a year-round schedule of art instructions in visual arts and fine crafts, organizing and promoting workshops and demonstrations, and developing art programs for children and students.
The Pasco Fine Arts Council recently opened a new gallery in Wesley Chapel to build relationships with local artists and community groups, and to provide cultural opportunities, art education and art exhibitions for East Pasco residents.
This gallery is the result of a unique partnership that began in 2019 between the Pasco Fine Arts Council and the developer of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
“Our goal is to bring art and cultural events, exhibits and educational classes to East Pasco County,” explains Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group. “In our first year, this partnership has led to the discovery of local artists, introduced art workshops to our community and given member artists the opportunity to feature their work in a new venue. We couldn’t be more pleased with this program!”
“It has been an overwhelming positive experience as well for the Pasco Fine Arts Council to expand its presence in East Pasco, thanks to the vision and generosity of the Avalon Park Group,” said Jo Baughman, director of the Council.
For the Avalon Park Group, one of the main goals of this partnership is to introduce people to local artists with monthly exhibits and demonstrations at its facilities.
“This partnership has allowed us to expand the arts not only to our residents, but also to the entire east side of the county,” said Lerret.
For Baughman, who has been involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for over 20 years, the invitation from Avalon Park West to work together accomplishes a long-held dream.
“This partnership has been a tremendous asset to the artist community and our patrons, and has greatly expanded our ability to bring arts to all of Pasco County,” said Baughman.
It is the vision of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for its planned downtown to be the cultural and event center of East Pasco County. The downtown’s first phase will include a dedicated Arts Gallery that will become the permanent East Pasco home for the Pasco Fine Arts Council.
Upcoming Art Workshops
Textures and Mixed Media
With Patricia Garrow
Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Must sign up by Sept. 14
Fun With Wire Art
With Melinda Paproski
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Must sign up by Sept. 26
Drawing From Still Life
With Lionel Sanchez
Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Must sign up by Nov. 6
Location
Avalon Park Amenity Center
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel 33543
Published August 26, 2020
