From across the room you hear an infectious laugh and you know you have come to the right place. Sandi Palmer has been teaching art classes from her Cottonwood studio for more than 20 years and sharing her love and enthusiasm for life.
What began as a fill-in position quickly grew as locals heard of her exciting classes. She’s never advertised. Her growth has all been word-of mouth. What makes her classes so exciting is a combination of her positive attitude and experimental approach. You never know what you will learn. The mystery and anticipation makes it so much fun for her students.
One part of her studio is covered in angels that students have given her, proof that she offers hope and encouragement through her art. You simply can not feel down around Sandi. She is and “art angel.” She finds the artist within her students and teaches them to play.
The second half of her studio is filled with student artwork. Sandi’s skill for relationship building is what makes her stand out as an instructor. She knows who did each and every painting and when they did it.
Sandi’s classes emphasize that creating art really is for everyone and that it can be therapeutic and emotionally fulfilling. Sandi’s compassion for her students sets her apart from most instructors. She truly cares about each student and ensures that they have a great time. Each class is a new experience for Sandi and her students, and she gets just as excited about learning as they do.
Sandi’s Fall 2009 class schedule includes Painting for all ages, Dry Brush Oils and Watercolor. For more information about these classes and other art instruction in Shasta and surrounding counties, visit artazine.org. Reach Sandi at sandip@c-zone.net or (530) 347-4957.
Raette Meredith is a mother of three, artist, website developer and Americorps Vista volunteer for the Shasta County Arts Council. She conceptualized and developed Artazine and Artazine.org, an extensive directory of art classes in the North State.