Space for Arts
Updated: 5 days ago
MBV’S ART COMMUNITY IS THRIVING.
NOW IT NEEDS A SPACE.
As art programs continue to expand at MountainBrook Village, organizers say one challenge has become increasingly clear: the community’s artists need a dedicated art-making space.
Currently, classes are held in a variety of locations across campus, and sometimes even in residents’ homes.
“We’ve made it work this season, but it’s not always easy,” said Judy Deuling, one of the volunteer coordinators. “With classes scattered across campus, sometimes residents have trouble finding where they’re supposed to meet.”
Storage is another major concern. Art supplies are currently transported from place to place, often by volunteers. Moving materials back and forth burdens volunteers and makes it harder to keep classes organized.
Despite those challenges, interest in art is booming. Approximately 370 residents are connected to art activities—not including the already popular Fired Arts program.
Volunteers and the community are surprised at how popular the classes are. Gary Deuling compared the interest in art to enjoying a fine cup of coffee: “It’s like the interest has been percolating for years!” he remarked.
Organizers believe the next step in supporting that growth is creating a dedicated art space on campus. The proposal under consideration is to refresh a room in the Sunset Building to serve as a centralized home for art classes and supplies.
Supporters say the space would make it easier to host classes, store materials, and welcome new participants. Often, retirement is when people finally have the time to pursue an artistic interest, and the goal of the MountainBrook arts program is to allow that creativity to flourish.
Residents will hear more about the proposal in the coming months.
Art classes are inspiring artists and bringing art into MBV spaces. Residents like Susan Olsen enjoyed the recent showcase of MBV artists and their projects at Coffee & News.
Susan said, “Wow, I had no idea how many talented artists there are in our community. This morning was fun, thank you!”
Those who participate find the art classes enrich their lives at MountainBrook. Cindy McCormick and her mother, Shirley Briggs, attend weekly watercolor classes together.
Cindy said, “Because we both live in MBV, we have a great medium to share our love of art together. The instructors are great and make it enjoyable for all ages.”
Shirley isn’t new to watercolor painting, but the scheduled classes help her keep up her skills. She shared, “I always look forward to our classes, even if some days I just sit and watch.”
Organizers say the goal is not only to support existing artists, but to ensure that art and creativity remain a vibrant part of the community’s future.
“Art is part of everyday life,” Deuling said. “And here at MountainBrook Village, it’s clear residents are discovering just how rewarding it can be.”