Jack Thomas, Mick Desmarais
Sandy Gianotti
Anyone interested in art, artistic development or just curious should consider stopping by the Topaz Room in SaddleBrooke TWO for the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts open studio time. I am fairly new to SaddleBrooke, do not call myself an artist (yet) and am interested in learning something new. I dropped into open studio and what a delight! There were six individuals painting who were at different levels of experience and working in different mediums. In addition to my interest in the work they were doing, they were an enjoyable and fun group! Within the group Mick Desmarais has lived in SaddleBrooke the longest and has been painting since 2000. He is working with water mixable oils and trying a new technique. A funny guy, he told me his last name was Mouse. Margie Fey, a retired park ranger, started oil painting classes in 2016. She, along with the others, provided me with helpful information in getting started in oil painting. Ted Hagen, a retired oral maxillofacial surgeon, was working in pastels; Wayne Ufford, a retired engineer, was working in water colors; Jack Thomas working in oils was in the motion picture business and the newest artist in the group. All participated in the conversation with me and it was lively and fun. Aside from my interest in art, these guys are just fun!
Open studio is every Monday at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., located at the MountainView Clubhouse Topaz art room in the Arts and Craft center.
Check out the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild also. The Guild is a great resource for residents who are artists, aspiring artists and art enthusiasts. No art experience required! Membership is $20 annually. Guild information and membership benefits are available at saddlebrookefinearts.org or contact our President, Karen Brungardt, at 520-825-1845 (text or call) or email her at [email protected].