During the month of January, the Delmar Riney Art Gallery at Pratt Community College features the work of Tiffany Sowa and her students. Sowa is a traveling art instructor and the owner of “You’re Fired Ceramics and Canvas” in Coldwater, Kan.
Sowa believes that art is for everyone, not just for the educated, the affluent or the expressive. She says anyone can create art, and art can be found in everything we see and do. The one thing that brings her more joy than making her own art is the environment she creates where anyone can become an artist. She calls them “Startists” because they have just started their journey to becoming an artist.
The Startists featured in the Delmar Riney exhibit are of every age, some as young as six years old.
“There’s a moment in every creation when the artist can suddenly see the art,” she said. “Until that point, many of my students are just following along, maybe somewhat anxious, possibly even complaining a bit, but they follow instructions and put paintbrush to canvas, all along doubting that this stuff will somehow turn into art – then that moment happens, when they realize they can do it, and it’s a beautiful thing.”
Sowa’s style is what she calls “random revelations,” and involves throwing, splattering, dropping, dabbling and manipulating.
“I like the element of surprise – starting with a blank canvas and then exploring all the ways that the paint can be applied to create something beautiful,” she said. “I go home each night not knowing what will be waiting for me in the morning. The unknown is exciting and always amazes me.”
Sowa has a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Leadership from Southwestern College, and received her art education through the Bicentennial Art Center of Aurora, Colo.
The art gallery is free and open to the public Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by appointment. If you would like to be considered as a featured artist of the month, send your name, contact information and a brief description of your artwork to [email protected].
