Class learns to make art with just about anything
CRANBERRY TWP — Art can take many forms, and the tools to make art can be just as varied.
That’s the lesson participants in a class learned last week as the Cranberry Public Library, 2525 Rochester Road, hosted local artist Sal Greco.
Greco demonstrated his distinctive “brushless” painting technique for the class in The Forge, Cranberry Public Library’s makerspace.
Instead of brushes, participants were asked to bring several household items to paint with. Participants brought a variety of items, including Q-tips, toothpicks, feathers, toothbrushes and light bulbs. Greco employs a self-taught technique for his paintings in which he uses household items to give his paintings a unique texture.
Each participant received a 3.5-inch by 5.5-inch piece of wood to paint on.
In January, Greco donated more than 30 pieces of his artwork to the library for patrons to take home, free of charge. In addition, Greco frequently takes pieces of his artwork to places such as restaurants and car dealerships. He presents three or four pieces to customers and asks them which one they like best. After they make a selection, Greco offers them the artwork for free.
“I enjoy the interactions and the face-to-face reactions when I give people the artwork,” he said. “They’re excited to receive it, and they really appreciate it.”
Greco’s work is displayed in three galleries in the Pittsburgh area: Modern Yesterdays in Gibsonia, Frechard Gallery in Lawrenceville and Manos Gallery in Tarentum.
The Forge, the library’s makerspace, has been open to the public since last September. In addition to appointments and programs, during which patrons can use the laser engraver, Cricut Maker, 3D printers and other equipment, The Forge also hosts classes with local artists in a variety of subject areas.
“This class is the first in our ‘Make With a Maker’ series, in which our patrons have the opportunity to create alongside local artists,” the library’s makerspace manager, Mary Frances Reutzel, said. “We’re so grateful to Sal for volunteering his time to teach in The Forge, and we look forward to hosting other artists for classes as well.”
The class was filmed, and a highlight video is available on the library’s YouTube channel.
Jon Clendaniel, the library’s development and communications manager, said the Forge opened in September and offers a number of classes that make the space’s equipment available to those 12 and older.
“They can work on whatever they want. The thinking behind it is the schools have their own makerspaces, and older kids and adults also need some place to play,” Clendaniel said.
He added there are a number of Father’s Day projects planned to make gifts such as laser-engraved hammers and laser-engraved plates.
Clendaniel said most classes have a small fee to cover the cost of materials.
The next “Make With a Maker” session at The Forge will be at 10 a.m. June 25, when animator Melanie Rathman will teach a 2D animation class. Registration for the class is open at https://cranberry.librarycalendar.com/event/2d-traditional-animation-tips-and-tricks-beginners.
