Art Around Town

By: Jan Morgan-Swegle

Last year, I wrote about what a great time I had learning how to sketch through the “Art In The Park” program, offered by the Town of Leland Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (PRCR) department. This year, thanks to a grant and support from the Brunswick Arts Council Grassroots Program, which is a designated partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Leland PRCR has “significantly grown” the program.

As Alison Fore, one of the PRCR Program Coordinators for “Art Around Town,” explained, “We are seeking to reach a wider audience so more people recognize that Leland PRCR does arts and recreational programming for all ages. We also wanted to partner with local businesses, so by having our events at locations across Leland, you get to experience what they have to offer while you are learning a new skill. Local organizations were extremely welcoming and open to the idea. It’s a win/win.”

Starting on March 4 and running through May 20, residents can participate in some of the same programs as last year and also try new ones.

On March 4, from 10:00 am to noon, you can go to Westgate Nature Park, located at 1260 Westgate Drive, and try sketching with Trey—a wonderful instructor.

On March 11, from 11 am to 12:30 pm, the Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC,) located at 1212 Magnolia Village Way, will host a “Harry Potter” themed craft project, taught by Adela. At 12:30, you can watch a screening of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

For those looking to be a little more active, on March 16, from 6 to 7 pm, you can take a Zumba class at Founders Park at 113 Town Hall Dr., with Tracie.

On April 5, from 6 to 8 pm, it’s over to the Fuzzy Peach at 1109 New Pointe Blvd., (near Local’s and Palais Nails, facing Rt. 17) where you can paint some clay tiles, with instructor, Jon.

On April 15, from 10 am to noon, you can go to the Leland Library at 487 Village Road, and learn how to make—what else? Watercolor Bookmarks with Tina!

On May 11, from 6 to 8 pm, drop into the Joyce Irish Pub at 1174 Turlington Ave and try something I’ve always wanted to do--rock painting, taught by Erin.

On May 13, from 11 am to 12:30 pm, it’s back to the LCAC for a “Minions” themed craft project followed by a screening of “Minions: Rise of Gru,” taught again by Adela.

And finally, On May 20, from 10 am to noon, since you enjoyed painting clay tiles so much, run over to Northwest District Park, at 1937 Andrew Jackson Hwy, and paint some more with Claire!

Make sure you load up your calendar with these fun, family friendly events. They are all “drop in” and free to the public. For more information, go to the Town of Leland website, www.townofleland.com/art-around-town.

The Leland Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department and their partners do a great job of bringing fun and quality program to us. Don’t miss an opportunity to get out, learn something new and have a great time.