Drawing is not a prerequisite for art classes at the Edward A. Myerberg Center. Just ask Paul Timin who walked into a class a few years ago not knowing how to draw and has since become an amateur painter.
We talked with Paul, and two of his classmates, David and Bonny Walker, about the art program at the Myerberg and the friendships they’ve developed there.
What made you take up art?
David: My sister-in-law had an art party and I really had a good time painting. Bonny was taking art classes at the Myerberg and I started a year or two later.
Bonny: My husband had retired and I encouraged him to join me.
Paul: When I began, I had no art experience. I’m an amateur photographer and I wanted to paint some of my photos. At first, I couldn’t draw but I realized you don’t have to draw to be a reasonably good artist. And the funny thing is – I learned to draw along the way.
What do you enjoy most?
David: I enjoy painting people, pets and still lifes, some of which are hanging in our home and homes of our family members, and others are resting in our basement!
I understand you get to show off your work to the public?
Bonny: The Myerberg holds an art exhibit several times a year. Everyone has a chance to select up to three pieces of their art. The teachers also exhibit. There are multi-media pieces, ceramics, paintings. If you want, you can put prices on your work and see if they sell.
I know you’ve sold a few pieces. Tell me about the Balloon Man.
Paul: It’s actually a funny story. Several years ago I took a photo of a gentleman, a “balloon” man when I was at the Farmer’s Market under I-83. He was making balloon animals for kids. There was a little girl in front of him and I photographed her with a doll in her knapsack.
A few years later, I took a look at the picture and thought, ‘I bet I can paint it.’ After I did,
I decided to showcase it at the Myerberg’s art exhibit. A staff member saw the painting, recognized the balloon man as her friend’s husband. The painting was purchased by the balloon man’s wife.
I heard your class travels together?
Paul: Yes. We take trips to galleries and museums. We’ve been to New York, Philadelphia and the Eastern Shore.
Bonny: We’ve taken some great trips together to visit artists in their studios as well as art galleries, the BMA and museums in the D.C. area.
David: I really enjoyed our art class trip to the Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle, where there is a wonderful collection of American and European, modern and impressionistic art.
It sounds like you’re all friends.
Bonny: The class has become a social outlet for us. We often go to lunch afterwards. There’s great camaraderie, we have similar interests and we love getting together.
Paul: It’s nice to develop these relationships later in life.
The Edward A. Myerberg Center will hold an Open House on November 13, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Stop by to sample an art class, try a fitness class, meet the trainers or work out on your own. Learn more about Myerberg’s social clubs. For information, go to myerberg.org or call 410-358-6856.
Photo: Paul Timin shows off one of his paintings on display at the Myerberg Center.
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