What makes someone an artist?
The answer is simple: creating art! Most people think artistic talent is something you’re born with, not something you can learn, but that’s just not true. Carmel resident Cathy O. dabbled in art throughout her adult life, but she didn’t consider herself a true artist until she started taking art courses at the Monon Community Center (MCC). Thanks to dedicated instructor and professional artist, Zach Lowe, Cathy gained the skills, insight, and confidence she needed to turn her passion into tangible works of art.
A Creative Style of Teaching for a Creative Medium
When Cathy first heard about art programs at the MCC, she was skeptical. Her job often required her to travel, so she wasn’t sure she’d be able to keep up with weekly classes. Between her hectic schedule and a desire for creative freedom, she didn’t want to waste time relearning the basics in a traditional classroom setting. Zach Lowe’s Adult Artists Series could not have been more different from what she’d imagined. For starters, he didn’t stand up at the front of the room and lecture – he worked with each student on an individual level, first asking them what they’d like to achieve and then helping them bring their vision to life. He wasn’t just instructing students; he was collaborating with them!
“His classes are very self-directed,” says Cathy. “He meets people where they’re at in the process, guiding them along and providing little hints or instruction on what their next step should be. I remember showing him two inspiration photos and saying that I like this, but I want to do it in this way. He said, ‘I like where your head is at’. He really listens.”
Students of all different experience levels were working on all different projects. Some were beginners and others were more experienced, but Zach made sure that everyone received the same level of personalized instruction and care. His unstructured, individualized teaching style was a perfect fit for Cathy. With no rigid curriculum, students had the freedom to attend classes when it fit their schedule, giving Cathy the flexibility to learn and create at her own pace.
It’s Not About Perfection — It’s About Perspective
Cathy is quick to point out that she didn’t become a pro after just one class. It took over a year and a half of dedication, trial and error, and plenty of time spent in the studio to find her style. But Zach was there through it all, offering steady encouragement and valuable guidance as Cathy honed her skills.
“When I first started painting, I would only use small canvases,” says Cathy. “But in my second year of classes, Zach encouraged me to try experimenting with larger canvases – I never would have thought of that by myself!” One of her largest works, an acrylic painting of a horse, was later bought by a classmate to hang in their daughter’s barn. “Looking back, my style was already there, it just needed to be found and developed.”
Cathy recalls several times when she came to Zach frustrated, convinced that she had ruined a painting. But time and time again, Zach would show her that a “mistake” could often be fixed with a small adjustment—a new line here or a splash of color there. His enthusiasm and positivity helped Cathy see that sometimes the only difference between a mistake and a masterpiece is a shift in perspective.
Cathy took plenty of photos to document her journey. When she began posting pictures of her artwork on Facebook, her friends were amazed at how quickly she had progressed. She credits her success to hard work and the support of the art community at the MCC.
“I’ve made a lot of friends in my classes, and it’s always helpful to get their feedback or advice on a piece. What I appreciate the most is that their feedback is always constructive, never critical. People who have been there for a while will often encourage and mentor new students – that’s just the kind of environment that Zach works so hard to nurture.”
The Finished Product + How You Can Start Your Own Journey!
Cathy says she now averages one painting per month! Although her subjects are varied and ever-changing – she’s painted a flamingo, a rabbit, and several horses, because her niece loves them – she will always cherish the finished product.
Are you ready to start your own journey at the MCC alongside up-and-coming artists like Cathy? Zach Lowe has art classes for every age, ability, and medium. Let your little one’s creative side run wild in our Little Artists Series, give your preteen the skills they need to develop as an artist in our Junior Artists Series, or learn that art has no limitations in one of our Adaptive art programs.
Choose your medium and your time to attend, and Zach will do the rest. Plus, put in some extra hours in the art studio with our new program, Painting and Drawing Artist Workshop. We can’t wait to see what kind of artist you’ll be!
