From the beauty of watercolor designs to the simple joy of decorating an Easter egg, the Margaret Harwell Art Museum will kick off a series of art classes next week that offer something for all ages and experience levels.
"We always like to present as many opportunities for learning as we can," said Steve Whitworth, museum director.
Four events for children are planned, along with two adult workshops, culminating with a watercolor class taught by Paul Jackson, the artist who designed the 2003 Missouri quarter.
The first children's art class will be held from 10 a.m.-noon March 24, with Easter egg decorating. The class is open to youth aged 4 and up, and costs $10. All supplies will be provided, including plastic eggs. Children can also bring their own wooden eggs to work on, Whitworth said.
An adult class on watercolor painting will follow in April with Barbara Ashley Ross, the Best of Show winner from the 2017 Poplar Bluff Artist Guild regional show.
Beginners are welcome at the four-night class, which will be held from 6-8 p.m. April 9, 16, 23 and 30.
"There's so much you can do with a brush and a little bit of paint," said Ross, of Sikeston, Mo. "They'll learn to paint and they'll laugh a lot."
Ross started working with watercolor paints more than 30 years ago, and found her true passion.
"You can do all kinds of beautiful shapes and designs," she said. "You get all these gorgeous colors when they can run together."
Ross holds an art degree from Southeast Missouri State University.
Cost for the class is $100. Supplies are not included.
A second children's art class will be held 10 a.m.-noon April 21. This class will teach youth age 7 and up about shading, depth and contouring techniques, while making a unique design or image with a pen. Cost is $10. Supplies are included.
Children's art camps are also scheduled for mornings June 25-29 and afternoons July 23-27. Cost is $50 per student, with supplies included.
Each camp will produce five works of art by painting, sketching, crafting and other techniques.
A final adult class will be taught 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 8-12 by Jackson. Cost is $495. Supplies are not included.
This class is for all skill levels, Whitworth said.
Jackson will be the exhibiting artist at the museum for July and August, with an opening reception July 7.
Jackson has a master of fine arts degree, and has won numerous art competitions, including grand prize in the Paint Your Way to Paris competition.
He has designed the Presidential Easter egg for the White House three times, and was the featured speaker in 2008 at the International Watercolor Masters Invitational in Lushan, China.
"These are exciting learning opportunities for this area," said Whitworth. "I encourage all interested parties to sign up now, before the spaces fill up."
Registration will be taken as long as space is available, Whitworth said.
For more information, call the museum at 573-686-8002, email swhitworth@pbcity.org or visit www.mham.org and Facebook.