by Hal Gray
GREENSBORO – Eleven artists, as young perhaps as eight years old, gathered August 20 under the backyard tent of the Greensboro Free Library (GFL) to paint their interpretations of French artist Claude Monet paintings.
Prints of numerous Monet paintings hung from tent poles as inspiration and led to local representations including fields, waterlilies, boats and clouds.
Artists Beth Meachem, a GFL board member, and Nicole Mann, a GFL volunteer, coached and instructed the painters, who were inspired by Monet’s use of colors and textures. GFL provided the paint and canvases and Meachem supplied cupcakes, sprinkled in abstract patterns reflecting Monet’s use of colors.
Year-round residents of Craftsbury, Hardwick and Greensboro, as well as seasonal Greensboro residents, concluded the event by viewing each other’s creations. These will be displayed in the library for several weeks before being claimed by their creators.
Meachem also produced a “thank you” booklet for GFL volunteers that includes topics reflecting the features provided by the library, as well as blank pages on which volunteers can add their own reflections. Meachem expects GFL will be offering more such events in the future.
photo by Hal Gray
Christa Wells paints with her daughters from Craftsbury. Wells was inspired by Monet’s water lilies.
photo by Hal Gray
Maggie McGuire, of Hardwick, paints a bridge between two fields.
photo by Hal Gray
Young Wells provides her abstract impression of Monet.
photo by Hal Gray
Beth Meachem, Greensboro Free Library trustee, and Nicole Mann, library volunteer, organized and hosted the Monet painting party and show one of the booklets Meachem created for library volunteers.
photo by Hal Gray
Anne Altman of Greensboro reflects Monet with her boat and clouds as seen from the shore.
photo by Hal Gray
Douglas Bishop’s, of Greensboro, painting is clearly inspired by Monet.
photo by Hal Gray
Lana Bishop captures the spirit of Monet with her woman holding a bouquet of flowers.
photo by Hal Gray
Ann Stimson and her husband, Don Bishop behind her, illustrate one of the two married Greensboro couples at the Monet painting party.
photo by Hal Gray
The August 20 Monet painting party was held under the Greensboro Free Library’s backyard tent. Note the prints of Monet paintings hanging at the tent roof line to inspire the artists.
