Admittedly, Jasmine Williams didn’t have a name for the painting.
But at the same time, she holds no illusions that she’s an artist.
“I teach dance for (Pasco County) Parks and Rec,” said Williams, who works out of the James Irvin Civic Center in Dade City. “So it doesn’t have a name — maybe ‘Paint The City.’ But really it’s all about shapes when you add the buildings. It can be New York City or downtown Tampa — even this one here has a little Taj Mahal look to it,” she said, with a laugh.
Williams was referring to paintings completed by about a dozen adults and children who came to the first Beats ‘N’ Brushes.
They gathered for an hour-and-a-half on June 15, listening to music and painting their version of a sunset scene.
“I’m very happy with the turnout,” Williams said. “It’s nice to be able to do something a little different and for the community.”
The event was developed by Sandra Wright, who started The Wright Movement, which raises awareness about pancreatic cancer, and Kimberly Miller, a coordinator for parks and recreation.
Miller came up with the idea for the event.
Each of the women also painted a skyline.
“There are already a lot of paints with adults, so this was something that was fun that also kids could do,” Wright said. “They can stay inside from the heat, instead of (playing) something like kickball or basketball, and do something a little different — and paint like adults.
“Plus, something like this helps bring a little more awareness to taking care of your health, pancreatic cancer and also the community. … It was a great turnout, and I can’t wait until next year and see if it gets even better,” Wright added.
Beat ‘N’ Brushes was among several events scheduled in Dade City during Juneteenth Week, to commemorate the historic end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.
Other events slated during the week included a Family Bowling Night, A Night To Remember Exhibit at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village and a Juneteenth Community Celebration at the Civic Center on June 18.
Published June 22, 2022
