Published: December 07, 2007 11:13 pm      

Wynne Home to feature open studio with Huntsville artist

The Wynne Home Arts Center is offering residents an opportunity to take a break from their hectic schedules to attend an open studio with Huntsville artist Tamara Chasteen.

Chasteen, who has transformed the garage behind the Wynne Home into her temporary studio, encourages the public to take a creativity break and work with a variety of arts and crafts.

The studio is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 2-8 p.m. until Christmas.

Studio fees are $10 per hour, $25 for three hours and $35 for the whole six hour session. There is no studio fee for children through the age of 13, who must be accompanied by an adult.

A schedule of material costs are available at the Wynne Home. Participants can also bring their own materials.

“An open studio is an opportunity to schedule studio time or a lesson in a specific craft,” Chasteen said. “This concept is a sharp departure from trying to fit a busy life into a rigid class schedule. The studio is available after school for kids and parents just getting out of school and lasts until 8 p.m. for working people.”

Chasteen said the arts program is a new concept she hopes will encourage residents to try something new.

“We wanted people to have a place to learn new things and try new things — this is it,” Chasteen said. “I believe the open studio has potential to be an excellent program and it’s a great use for a public facility.”

As a working artist for 30 years with experience with many different art mediums, Chasteen said there are lots of materials on hand.

“We can do screen printing, marbling, beadwork, card making and clay,” Chasteen said. “I’ll drag out anything that I’m competent to teach. We’re set and ready to go.”

Marbling — a technique producing silk scarves with swirling, tumbling patterns of color — is popular with Huntsville residents who recently attended Chasteen’s class at the Wynne Home in November.

“Recent participants specifically asked for more scarf techniques and studio time in order to make Christmas gifts,” Chasteen said. “The marbling trays will be set up until materials are exhausted.”

Chasteen, who recently started to work with ceramics, said clay can be an inexpensive way to make ornaments for Christmas gifts.

“You can buy a pound of clay for $2 and make half a dozen ornaments,” Chasteen said. “That also includes glaze and firing. This studio is a bargain. We also have need-based and service-based scholarships available as well.”

Since space is limited in the studio area, Chasteen encourages residents to call ahead to schedule a time but they are welcome to stop by.

“When people reserve or schedule a time, I have more time to get materials prepared for the lesson,” Chasteen said. “Also, residents want to make sure I have the expertise to teach what they’re interested in.”

Chasteen said if the program is successful, she hopes to continue the studio after Christmas.

“Perhaps we’ll have more artists who will participate and bring even more expertise to the studio,” Chasteen said. “When you start something new, it’s always difficult to get others involved. But if we keep getting the word out, I think people will really enjoy this program.”

Chasteen said all she ever wanted to do is teach.

“I love my work,” Chasteen said. “We’re having so much fun. I have silk strips just waiting for color.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Chasteen at (936) 661-1779.