Throughout her life, one constant love for Karyn McGinn has been art. When she eventually had her other loves — children Logan, 12, and 5-year-old twins Haydan and Nolan — this mom of three left her position as a teacher to raise them.
Now that the children are all school age, she has returned to her old love, painting, by merging it with her previous field — education.
Thus was born Create Art Studio, a venue for “art as entertainment.”
One unique aspect of the studio is that those who attend a class are guided through a specific painting step-by-step and, at the end of the session, leave with the artwork they have created.
“It doesn’t matter if you are an expert artist or an absolute beginner, you will find that you are able to paint and have fun, making a creation that is unique, even as you base it upon a painting you’ve chosen as a guide,” McGinn said.
McGinn, who graduated from Purdue University with a degree in art, has taught in public and private schools for more than 10 years. When she stopped teaching, she continued to pursue her love of painting by creating artwork in her free time, so when she decided it was time to look into working again, establishing the studio seemed a logical step.
“I knew that if I was going to work and be away from my children, it would have to be something I love,” McGinn said. “And working has actually made me more appreciative of the time I spend with my family.”
Those who attend classes can choose their inspiration to be one of the paintings at the studio, though “I’ve had people bring in pictures from a magazine as well,” McGinn said. Students paint using acrylics and can receive as much, or as little, direction as they’d like.
“Some artists want to have help with their creations, and some want to be left basically on their own,” McGinn said. “It is up to them how much assistance they’d like.”
Classes typically run two hours long — check the online calendar at create-artstudio.com for availability.
In addition to classes, open painting is available from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The $25 fee includes all materials, with students asked to “bring your own ideas or use our inspiration wall,” she said, noting that no instruction will be offered during open painting sessions.
Parents can also book their child’s birthday party at create.
“You pick the painting or theme and we provide the supplies and cleanup,” McGinn said, with each child leaving with a “painting goody bag.”
Create Art Studio is located in Fayetteville Square, 511 East Genesee St., Fayetteville. Call 569-6227 for availability, to register for a class or for more information, or visit create-artstudio.com.
