By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Members of the Needham Council On Aging (COA) gathered together at The Center at the Heights (CATH) to partake in an Art Appreciation event. Ran by Michele Marram, this hands-on presentation focused on American painter and printmaker Wayne Thiebaud.
As attendees filed in and took their seats, Marram began showing some pictures of Thiebaud’s works as well as passing out some books about him. She wanted all COA members to get a glimpse of his work before starting on their first project of the class.
While she presented some of his paintings, she detailed that Thiebaud depicted a variety of subjects, but was best known for his whimsical desserts. With that being said, COA members began creating their very own 3D cupcakes using coffee cup sleeves, a piece of newspaper, shaving cream, glue and a paint color of their choice.
Each cupcake turned out extremely vibrant and unique. All in attendance had a blast “frosting” their cupcakes using the shaving cream, glue and paint. As they ended this craft, Marram explained that this project was to get them in the mood for the presentation / additional craft they would make towards the end of the event.
Marram then went into her presentation on Thiebaud, discussing how he became a painter, his time in World War II and how he got drawn to painting all kinds of desserts. When asked that last question during interviews, Thiebaud would explain that for some reason he could not leave desserts alone when going to paint. He knew it was rather odd at first, but something about it just kept drawing him in.
As she went through her presentation, she showcased a great variety of his many paintings, making sure to point out his shadow work and brush strokes. While attendees looked through the photos, Marram encouraged everyone to share their input on each work.
When the presentation came to an end, it was time to work on their second and final art piece: a two-dimensional dessert of their own. For this, Marram provided different sizes of watercolor paper, oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolor markers and more for all to pick and choose from.
She encouraged all attendees to use their imaginations for their drawings, even that of their newly crafted cupcake. If anyone needed some added assistance or simply just wanted to color, Marram also brought some cupcake coloring pages and some step-by-step sketch ideas.
As this event came to a close, COA members were able to leave with two unique art pieces and some new found knowledge/love of Thiebaud. All are hopeful that Marram will return again for another exciting Art Appreciation event.
