Paint or Dye in the Park brings local artists, art to children

July 29, 2019 | 3:22 am

Updated July 28, 2019 | 10:16 pm

The first Paint or Dye in the Park was held Saturday with close to 500 artist projects created. | Photo courtesy of Moonface Studio

Yellow Creek Park was the host to many artistic endeavors on Sunday, July 28. From 2 to 7 p.m. Children were invited to participate in Paint or Dye in the Park, a collaboration hosted by Moonface Studio, MoonTyed and Built to Roam. 

Moonface Studio owner Ashley Smith held three Paint in the Park events last year, and this year, she decided to try something new by adding more art opportunities for children.

Through word of mouth and by subscribing to her Facebook page, Smith’s free events have grown in size. It is not a painting class, according to Smith. She does not guide the painting, as many paint parties do, she just supplies the paint and the canvas. 

Smith said that for her business, she is trying to create a bigger art scene in Owensboro by bringing together artists of all ages and mediums and “inviting the community to join us as we all just hang out and get creative together.”

Painters with their canvases from Paint or Dye in the Park. | Photo courtesy of Moonface Studio

“I think creating an event that brings people out to express themselves for free is a good place to start when trying to build up an art scene,” Smith said. 

Hosting the event outdoors is also intentional as she hopes to one day have land and host art and music festivals at least once a year. 

MoonTyed, the collaborative effort of local artists Jordan William Cosmos Myers (Cosmos) and Rachel Brickell (Moon), consign their work at The Spot Coffee and Finery and occasionally trade art, according to Brickell.

Having a booth at the Owensboro Regional Farmers Market has given their business momentum, Brickell said. Each Saturday market MoonTyed has hand-dyed apparel swaying in the breeze of the outdoor market and they also create custom pieces, something they love to do while experimenting with color. Brickell also offers custom crochet apparel and other items.

“People come weekly to browse our new apparel or bring us clothing to dye,” Brickell said. “The farmer’s market gives us a regular platform for our art.”

 

Artists had the opportunity to dye a shirt at MoonTyed. | Photo courtesy of MoonTyed

Brickell said that she knew of Moonface Studio’s success with Paint in the Park, and she and Myers were considering asking Smith if she wanted to collaborate, but she asked them first.

 

“We all have a passion for the youth and making art accessible to everyone,” Brickell said.

Catherine Gross, a late addition to the Paint or Dye in the Park event, has Built to Roam, a jewelry business where she has been making jewelry since she was 13 years old.

Bohemian-inspired jewelry in the form of pendants, rings, necklaces and bracelets are made by Gross using different mediums, including wire, gemstones, polymer clay and even pieces from nature. She also does commissioned work.

A few of Gross’ pieces are at The Spot Coffee Shop and Finery and Studio Slant as well as an online Etsy shop where she sells her pieces.

Smith is a “dear friend” of Gross’ and when Smith asked her to collaborate on Paint or Dye in the Park, Gross was more than happy to join.

“I admire what she has brought to our community with Paint in the Park,” Gross said. “It’s important for me to give back to our community and even more important for me to teach children to express their creativity.”

Each artist said that being an artist is not only just about creating works for others but also teaching their craft to those who are interested.

Those who visited Built to Roam at the park were able to paint wooden charms and create jewelry out of the charms and brightly-colored beads using the provided string. Over 140 children created necklaces at the event. 

Four participants at Built to Roam show off their necklaces. | Photo courtesy of Built to Roam

“Overall, I’m thrilled with how today turned out,” Gross said. “It was great to see families come out to enjoy some time together to create. To me, this is what it’s all about.”

Over 85 people brought their own shirts to tie-dye Sunday, which was a fantastic turnout, according to MoonTyed.

Smith said that over 275 artists painted canvases Sunday and the three businesses have plans to host another. Visit their Facebook pages to stay up-to-date on events and to find information on donating for these community events.

 

July 29, 2019 | 3:22 am

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