The Lakes Gallery at Chi-Lin to Offer Fall Workshops

"Chrysanthemum" by Bruce Iverson

As autumn settles in and the cooler weather approaches, thoughts turn to creative indoor activities that will keep us productive and bring us much joy through the winter months and beyond.  For many people, an art class or creative workshop is just the inspiration needed to launch a new endeavor or hone existing skills, and in Meredith, NH, one little gallery offers some of the finest workshops in New England.  This fall is no exception, as the Lakes Gallery at Chi-Lin has a series of workshops lined up that will have even budding artists creating beautiful work in no time.

After a glowing response this past summer to Bruce Iverson’s Mountains, Trees & Mist workshop, the gallery was encouraged to offer another series of his classes.  This fall, Bruce will be sharing his expertise in The Four Seasons: An Introduction to the Chinese Scholar’s World of the Four Gentlemen. According to the gallery, after the Ming Dynasty was taken over by the barbarian Manchus, the scholar intellectuals retreated to simple mountain sanctuaries to continue to practice the ways of traditional gentlemen. The Four Gentlemen and the mountains in which they lived became the symbols of their world.

The bamboo—a virtuous life, with humility
The orchid—beauty in the face of obscurity
The plum blossom—constancy in the face of opposition
The chrysanthemum—triumph of hope over adversity

In Bruce’s workshops, participants will explore these symbols individually and learn to paint them using Chinese brush painting techniques. The workshops will take place on Sunday afternoons from 12:30 – 4:30/5:00 pm. Bamboo – October 9^th, Orchid – October 16^th, Plum – October 30^th, and Chrysanthemum – November 13^th.  All materials are traditional and will be provided.

Also this fall, Suzanne Lee will continue teaching Beginning Italic Calligraphy on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 – 11am.  The Friday classes will be held from September 30^th through November 11^th, and the Saturday classes will run from October 1^st through November 12^th.  All materials and supplies for the class will be provided, and can be taken home at the end of the workshop.  By the end of this class, participants will be writing elegant cards and letters in beautiful calligraphy—just in time for the holidays!

No previous art experience is needed for either of these wonderful workshops, but space is limited and pre-registration is recommended.  For more information, please call the gallery at 603-279-8663 or email Suzanne at suzanne@chi-linasianarts.com.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team