Discovering Creative Passions through the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild

Kelly Caleb, a resident of SaddleBrooke since August 2022, moved from Portland, Ore. with her husband to be closer to family. They found a home just six houses down from her father and stepmom, and can often be seen out and about with their dog Harold and her parents’ dog Freckles. Kelly has been cultivating her creative passions through art classes offered by the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild.

Discovering Her Creative Side

Growing up in Southern California, Kelly considered herself a tomboy who enjoyed exploring rather than doing art or crafts. After college, Kelly discovered her creative side by joining a knitting group. There, she met fiber spinners at Fiber Festivals and her interest blossomed. Although she does not herself an artist in the traditional sense, Kelly has many talents, including weaving, fabric and fiber dying, knitting, and creating amazing beadwork.

Exploring Art Offerings

Kelly always had a desire to learn to paint, but never had the time to take formal classes. Since moving to SaddleBrooke, she has been taking advantage of the traditional art classes offered by the Fine Arts Guild. “The classes are so accessible and easy to get to!” she remarks. Despite working full time as an engineering manager, with mostly 10-hour days, Kelly makes an effort to engage in creative endeavors at least once a week, no matter how small. “I attend the Fiber Arts Club meetings twice a month, which gets me some crafting exposure, and I attend classes with the Fine Arts Guild when I can,” she says. To help her progress, Kelly draws inspiration from learning new techniques. “I'm learning to use watercolors, and I like it, but I'm also exploring other mediums like fiber and fabric. I don't think I've found a favorite yet!”

Future Plans

When asked if anything frustrates her, she responds, “Mainly lack of time! Not being able to spend enough time means it takes longer to get comfortable when trying something new, and I don’t get to explore various options.” For now, Kelly is enjoying many of the art opportunities available through the Guild and looks forward to getting even more involved once she retires. Her advice for anyone interested in learning to be creative is, “Try a variety of classes. Explore areas you haven’t done before to see if it sparks a new passion!”

To learn more about activities and art classes at SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild, visit saddlebrookefinearts.org. Wine and Art events and Art Sampler classes are held periodically throughout the year. Check the online schedule for dates and times.

Contributions by Dawn Price

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