June 9th, 2016
We recently held our first ever Paint Night Fundraiser, or Painting Creations, as the program is called. Everyone in attendance raved about the evening. And one of our attendees even shared her experience below.
As someone who does not have much creative ability, I can honestly say I was able to create a beautiful, well at least a recognizable, masterpiece!
On May 26th I entered the halls of American Training with one task in mind… to try my very best to paint. I promised myself that during ATI’s very first fundraiser Paint Night, I would walk away with some sort of liquid color splattered on a canvas with a hint of coordination involved. I walked out with much more!
The atmosphere was speckled with professionalism; custom WOW! Magic painters aprons displayed on the back of each chair, while ATI’s tropical “Painters Punch” and an assortment of delectable treats awaited us on a nearby table. “Hooked on a Feeling” and “If you like Pina Coladas” were among the dangerously danceable musical hits that allowed my fellow painters and I to sway to the rhythm of the beat, while others let their vocal cords do the dancing. The cheerful environment allowed a sense of fun and carefree nature to roam, so anxious first timers, like myself, could relax.
Our wonderful instructor, Maxine, was able to break down each step of the painting; starting with a soothing aquamarine background and ending with the POP of brilliant hues of pink for the flower petals. Seeing the original painting I was convinced I was not going to be able to produce such art work, but with Maxine leading the way, my painting seemed to come to life, step by step. With each stroke of my brush a new story was told, and the original painting I had come to paint, seemed to find its way on my canvas, but with its own unique touches. I felt like a real artiste.
What a great feeling it is to complete a work of art surrounded by family and friends. This Paint Night was the first of many to come. An ongoing fundraiser which helps raise money for the Creative Process; an adventure that involves the Residents of our youth residential programs taking on artistic projects that empower who they can become as they find their identity through the arts.
I can honestly say it made me feel great to help out such a worthy cause and also to complete a piece of artwork that I would have previously thought was impossible. Now just remember when the next ATI fundraiser Paint Night comes around and you do not think you can do it… anything is possible with WOW! Magic.
To sign up for our next Paint Night, visit the June Painting Creations page here. And to search for future Paint Nights, visit our events page here.