Local artist to lead watercolor workshop in Orrville

Orrville’s former Heartland Point, located at 200 N. Main St., which has been given new life and rechristened as Bee’s Deli and Cafe, will be the site of a new watercolor class led by local artist Joanne Murray. Born and raised in Orrville, Murray brings a wealth of information, artistic talent, and lots of patience and kindness to the task of being an art teacher.

Murray is a graduate of Orrville High School. She went on to study business at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. She also earned an associate degree in commercial art from the University of Akron.

“I started a commercial art business in my home workshop,” Murray said. “I called the business Murray’s Art and Sign Studio. Once word spread that my business was up and running, I gained new clients and kept busy with painted signs for businesses.”

While her artistic endeavors did have a business connection, fine art has always been her forte.

Murray always keeps her hand in doing watercolor and other fine arts projects, even while running her commercial sign business.

Upon retiring from her business, her interest and pursuit of fine art continued as a pastime. More recently, she has taught acrylic and watercolor painting classes at Wayne Center for the Arts in Wooster.

The opportunity to teach art was a chance for her to share her love of painting with others. Murray has worked as an artist in many different mediums, but this particular class will focus on watercolor painting and technique.

The classes will take place Wednesdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The class costs $50, and students can pay at the first session in cash or by check.

Murray also has provided a list of supplies that can be purchased at an art supply store such as Michael’s in Wooster or online. The supply list includes the following:

—Watercolors in the form of small tubes of red, yellow and blue (primary colors) and also burnt umber and white. This can be purchased as a set or individually.

—A pad of 9-by-12-inch cold-press 140-pound paper. The type of paper is important because using watercolors requires a special, heavier style of paper.

—A palate, which could be a fancier plastic palate, or a paper plate can be used.

—A series of brushes: a mop brush, a fan brush, a liner brush, a chisel edge brush and a sea sponge. Many of these also can be found in watercolor brush kits or purchased individually.

—A water cup and a small spray bottle. Students also may want to consider a roll of paper towels to clean and dry brushes.

B’s Deli and Cafe’s menu of pastries, sandwiches, drinks and wraps will be available during the class. For more information or to register for the class, email Murray at jmurrayart1@gmail.com.