Black Mountain’s youngest artists are ready to rock
Chamber of Commerce workshop produces creative displays for annual downtown fundraiser
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 17, 2022
Emerson Kearns works on a painting at the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, March 6. Her work will be featured on one of 17 rocking chairs in downtown later this spring. Photo by Fred McCormick
The atmosphere in the lobby of the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, March 6, was light and hospitable, as tourists were greeted warmly by a smiling and knowledgeable volunteer. That mood was in sharp contrast to the one in the back of the building, where a group of local children focused intently on harnessing their creative energy.
The art that emerged from the first Chamber Creative Kids Club was vibrant, colorful and thought-provoking, and will soon be featured on the rocking chairs throughout downtown Black Mountain.
The inaugural class, which meets from 2 - 3:30 p.m. each Sunday, included children ranging in age from fourth to sixth grade. Led by Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Gretchen Glass, who is also a teacher in the Art in the Afternoon program at the Carver Community Center, the workshop is designed to hone the artistic skills of the community’s youngest creators.
“Art is really problem solving in such an amazing way,” said Glass, who holds a bachelor’s degree in studio arts and has been teaching the craft for 10 years. “This class is a chance for them to step out of their comfort zone, and have their work out in the community where it can be seen by the public.”
Few areas in town are more heavily trafficked from spring to fall than downtown, where rocking chairs displaying local art have been a fixture for years. The chamber’s annual fundraising auction will allow the public to place bids on the 17 chairs decorated with art by local children.
Eight students participated in the first Chamber Creative Kids Club, which will be followed by another class for first- through fourth-graders. The cost of the four-week course is $50, which covers the supplies, according to Glass.
The first class was asked to create scene of a place where they feel joy. Ellie James knew that exact location.
Ellie James finishes a painting of her art desk, March 6, as the first Chamber Creative Kids Club met at the Visitor Center. The art created by the class will be featured on the rocking chairs in downtown Black Mountain later this spring. Photo by Fred McCormick
“Mine is my desk where I do art in my room,” she said, putting the finishing touches on her painting. “It’s where I feel most at home.”
James was eager to join the class when she learned about it through her mother.
“The rocking chairs are so cool, and there have never been any that were designed by kids,” said the Black Mountain Elementary School student. “So, I was excited to be part of something new and different.”
Nearby, Eila Day studied her painting of a quiet cabin atop a cluster of mountains in front of an evening sky. She was inspired by her daily view of the Seven Sisters mountain chain north of town.
Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Gretchen Glass offers feedback to Chamber Creative Kids Club student Eila Day. The weekend workshops teach children artistic skills and offer opportunities to have their work displayed in public areas. Photo by Fred McCormick
“I like to look at the mountains,” she said. “And, when you’re in the mountains, it’s easy to think about a quiet cabin on top of them. So all of this was just what I saw in my head.”
Mollie Ferguson sketched out a few ideas before leaning on her favorite color for inspiration, creating a striking image of a bare tree set against a glowing sky.
“I couldn’t come up with something I was happy with, but all I knew was that I liked the color yellow,” she said, pointing to the details in her work. “I decided I wanted to add a tree, but this isn’t a painting of a real place. It’s more like an alien world where only owls live, but I wanted it to be perfect.”
Mollie Ferguson, one of eight members of the first Chamber Creative Kids Club at the Visitor Center, works with art teacher Gretchen Glass on a painting that will be displayed on a rocking chair in downtown. Photo by Fred McCormick
Madison Conerly’s approach was rooted in the natural beauty of her hometown.
“Walking out of my house, this is what I see,” she said, smoothing the edges of a large bright moon. “It’s very peaceful and calming.”
Conerly credits her teacher for helping her grow as an artist.
“Gretchen is a really good teacher,” she said. “We all want to do our best on this, and she’s really helped us do that.”
The rocking chairs will be displayed later this spring, Glass said, and the chamber is exploring partnerships with businesses and organizations throughout town, including the Old Depot and other local art associations, to host children’s art exhibits.
“Art, especially children’s art, brings so much to the community,” she said. “It shows the child that their art has a home, and the whimsy of children’s work being out there for everyone to see is uplifting.”
For more information about the Chamber Creative Kids Club, email chambercreativekidsclub@gmail.com.