Grisell Center Continues Art Classes, Plans Show in Moundsville
Last year, local artists and lovers of the arts worked to recreate a building given to the Strand Theatre Preservation Society years ago as a facility which now holds a variety of educational classes each week.
The former Elwood Grisell home, donated by Sidney Grisell to the Strand organization, sits at 804 Fifth St. in Moundsville.
It reopened as the Grisell Center for th Arts last August. The home, built by Elmer and Bessie Grisell in 1936, is home to a variety of paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry, glassworks, student displays and more.
Various rooms in the home showcase artwork from students at each Marshall County school and pieces for sale from local artists. Exhibits open every Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and by appointment by calling Snider at 304-233-3014.
Classes now offered through the center include watercolor painting, sculpture, jewelry making, pottery and more.
Gussie Smith, a Glen Dale-based painter, offers a watercolor course on Tuesdays throughout the year. She is also a member of the Marshall County Fine Arts Guild for over 50 years.
Once a month, local artist Mark Fleming gives lessons to the guild, which continually accepts members for their weekly meetings, held from noon to 2 p.m. each Tuesday.
Smith began painting over 20 years ago after taking various courses from local artists. She said the class gives participants a chance to learn from peers.
“Everyone is helpful and noncritical,” Smith said. “We’ve known each other for years, so no one takes offense and everyone is comfortable.”
Guild member Christine Harris said the weekly meeting helps her focus on perfecting her skills.
“When I come over here, I can just focus on this,” Harris said. “When you paint by yourself you often keep doing the same thing wrong over and over again. We do this for enjoyment and camaraderie.”
Guild member Priscilla Oelschlager said the group is always looking for more members.
“If anyone wants to join, they can stop by, or even just observe,” she said. “We don’t have any rules.”
Current class schedules include watercolor from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and pottery class from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays. The center’s annual art show and sale, featuring work from local students and Grisell class participants, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 12-13.
A children’s pottery class will be held Dec. 3 and Dec. 10.
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