West Plains Council on the Arts will host a workshop conducted by local artist Tara Shahan from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 in the Dogwood Rooms of the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The cost for the workshop is $85, all supplies included. Participants should bring a sack lunch for the all-day workshop.
Workshop attendees will paint a personalized Tree of Life Barn Quilt. “A barn quilt brings art to any landscape and this one is sure to be a head-turner,” said organizers. The finished product will measure 3 feet by 3 feet, and will be painted in warm colors of acrylic paint on plywood. Participants should indicate the name to personalize the piece with at the time of reservation.
Shahan was raised in a small town in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio until about the age of 12. Her upbringing included being a member in the Patchworkers 4-H club, where most of her projects consisted of food, sewing and crafts taught by her mother, a 4-H leader. Shahan won ribbons for her work at local and state fairs, including an award for Outstanding of the Day at the Ohio State Fair. Shahan now lives in West Plains.
“For the most part I have created things for my own home but now have decided to share those things that I create and cherish so much,” says Shahan. “My passion is for what they are calling these days rustic, primitive and farmhouse. Most of my items have been upcycled from a vintage piece or made from a common household item. This is what inspires me. Of course, I love frequenting vintage re-sale shops and antique stores for my inspirations, so most items that I make are pre-loved and show wear. DIY is a way of life in the Midwest. Thou art blessed who ‘rescues’ unwanted items!”
Space is limited. Reserve a spot by texting Paula at 417-293-2325.
