The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University’s First Thursday of the new year had aspiring artists (and myself) creating our own still-life displays and sketching them, as well as drawing – literally – inspiration from the paintings and sculptures in the Matisse gallery and around the museum.
Guests enjoyed a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres before plunging into a table of knick-knacks and setting up their own still-life sculpture. Following a brief drawing lesson with art teacher Elizabeth Lyle, we proceeded to the galleries or back to our own displays to work on sketching still lifes, paintings and sculptures.
You can’t help but feel even more appreciative of the art in the galleries as you try to mimic the lines and contours yourself. The sense of peace while time melts away unbeknownst as you create your own work of art is like pushing pause on life. And you can’t help but feel exceptionally proud of what you create, even if it’s not amazing.
“There’s no expectation to be good,” said Juline Chevalier, the Nasher Museum’s Curator of Education, as we all waited for the lesson from Elizabeth. “You don’t have to be Matisse. Just have fun.”
So, I did. And a picture is worth a thousand words. (See above.)
First Thursdays occur every month and feature gallery talks from experts, creating art based on exhibits and more. Check the calendar on the Nasher Museum’s website here for more information.
