Area students will have a chance to get creative over spring break

Last week, Jeff Reed, a Bloomington wildstyle graffiti artist, conducted a successful class at Casa del Muse in downtown Bloomfield.

The response was good and owners Robert Kral and Jill C. Spires have invited Reed back for two days of classes over spring break.

"We all had a great time and created some very unique items that are in our gallery display window," Kral said.

Spires added, "The young folks love Jeff. He is a gifted and talented artist with a traditional skill base. He has used his skills to put a fresh and fun spin on art in a way that truly connects with the next generation of aspiring artists."

Reed will be back this Saturday for an open house and exhibit of his work from 6-8 p.m.

The gallery, in cooperation with Reed, is then offering a tag art/skateboard deck painting class for students March 25 and 26 from 3-6 p.m. -- both days.

Cost is $20.

Aerosol art (spray can art) will be offered from 1-3 p.m.

"Wildstyle graffiti art involves interlocking letters and connecting points. These types of paintings are often harder to read by non-graffiti artists as the letters and pictures merge into one another in an often undecipherable manner," Kral explained. "While "Tag Art" is a phrase I coined for our classes to suggest a collective aspect of the "wildstyle graffiti art' crossed with 'aerosol art or spray can graffiti'. This type of urban art is the most basic writing of a graffiti artist's name, it is simply a writing handstyle. A graffiti writer's tag is his or her personalized signature and is by far the most common form of graffiti. Tags can contain subtle and sometimes cryptic messages, and might incorporate the artist's crew initials or other letters."

The skateboard deck painting class is offered from 4-6 p.m.

"You may purchase a blank deck at the gallery or bring your own to paint. We will supply the brushes, paint and easy-to-follow instructions," Kral said. "We will be using skateboard decks, T-shirts and poster board as our palette."

Casa del Muse Art Gallery and Studio, at 32 E. Main Street, opened last October.

"We currently offer youth-oriented classes, however Jeff inspires budding artists to go beyond the page or canvas and asks them to leave convention behind. He challenges them to take everything from an old box to a skateboard deck and give it new life. His style is expressive and edgy with a hopeful message. He inspires artists to not only express but to have a positive impact on their surroundings. Robert and I sincerely wish for his message to spread like wildfire through the youth of this area. Jeff is just the beginning of what we have in store for the youth of this community," Spires commented. "Robert and I have our pet projects and the youth are definitely mine. I hope to get a paintbrush into the hands of any and every child that wants one. I believe positive self-expression is as essential during our formative years as breathing."

The owners are reaching out to area communities with skateboard parks and are offering up to a $100 donation to area skateboard parks in Worthington and Jasonville.

"We want to help and support the Worthington and Jasonville community skate parks. The elected representatives took time and money to provide a place for the kids to have fun. The kids need to repay that effort by ensuring the area is kept clean and safe for others. If not, it could be taken away and I would hate to see that happen. We have donated studio time, provided free art classes and art supplies, given away gift certificates, and paintings, as well as work with local non-profit organizations to help raise money for worthwhile causes. We believe that kids need a secure place to go and be with other kids. I skateboarded as a kid and my son skates, skims and surfs now. If we can help another area provide a safe heaven for the kids all the better for everyone involved."

Kral and Spires said they are pleased with the community cooperation since they opened.

"Since October, we have developed and continue to grow a huge network of artists throughout the southern Indiana region. Our long-term goal is to establish a collaborate effort with like-minded galleries in the area and have it serve as a venue to share ideas and our art as well as teach art classes to the community at-large," Kral explained.