Melody Cook
I have always enjoyed art and can remember as a little girl in 3rd grade, (which, dare I say, was in 1963) getting first prize for my drawing entry at the local show. I remember treasuring my paint sets my parents gave me and then the excitement of taking art as a subject for Years 11 and 12.
A few years on and I became a full time primary school teacher and all my energy was directed to this and raising 2 children. Now that I have retired after 30 odd years I have found an outlet for my wish to learn to paint. I joined Jumping Ants Art!
Since August 2014 I have attended most meetings and joined in on various activities they have planned. Through the guidance of lovely members like Fran and Carmel, I produced a quaint little Lino print. At a silk painting day, Catherine guided me into producing a scarf.
Diana is my water painting mentor and her encouragement is going to pay off one day. Donna is so clever with her hands but I missed the opportunity she gave the group to learn mosaics. Fay is our pottery person and one day I, undoubtedly, will learn from her. Recently a bookmaking tutor was invited to do a workshop with our group. I am very proud of my small bound book and now I have a new found appreciation of this old art form.
So, if like me, you want to get into art but as yet you haven't found your niche, this amazing, welcoming group of artists called JAA is a good place to start.