Five Points West Library's July Summer Art Series Underway Now

Retired Birmingham City Schools Arts Teacher Susan Pearson is leading Five Points Regional Library's "Art in Nature" Summer Art Series and "Adult Sip n Paint" free art classes during July  

Birmingham, Ala. – Attention youth and adults who desire to take their love of art to the next level. Five Points West Regional Library is hosting a Summer Art Series in July as part of the Birmingham Public Library's 2023 Summer Learning programs.

Retired Birmingham art teacher Susan Pearson will take 10 students on an artistic journey through nature. Space in the “Arts in Nature” series is limited, and registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Stop by Five Points West Library at 4812 Avenue W to register. 

In addition to the youth art series, Ms. Pearson is teaching a “Five Points West Adult Sip n’ Paint” class on Wednesday, July 26, at 11:30 a.m. Come channel your inner Jacob Lawrence as Ms. Pearson helps participants create masterpieces on canvas while sipping non-alcoholic sparkling drinks.

Supplies are limited so register in advance by calling Five Points West Library at (205) 226-4013. 

In an interview with BPL PR Director Roy Williams, Ms. Pearson shared what inspired her to give back to young artists and what attendees can expect from her Summer Art Series currently under way at Five Points West Regional Library. A Huntsville native, Ms. Pearson worked as a arts teacher in the Birmingham City School System from 1990 to 2019, including a stint at Huffman High School. 

BPL: What inspired you to give back to budding artists by hosting this Summer Art Series at Five Points West Library for young artists aged 7 to 10? 

Ms. Pearson: I have plenty of time in retirement and noticed the children in my neighborhood at times looked bored playing outside. I felt maybe I can go to the nearby Five Points West Library and offer what God has given me to teach kids art skills. That gives the children something to do. 

BPL: Describe the paintings kids will draw during the classes.

Ms. Pearson:  I hope the parents register the kids. They will enjoy what I have to offer. 

I am doing the series in themes: 

The Blue Hawaiian - in which kids will draw various subjects based on Hawaiian culture including landscapes, scenery, pineapples, figure drawings of Hula Girls and Hula Guys. Ballers – in which the kids will draw various types of balls such as footballs and basketballs. 

Nature - The kids will draw landscapes and nature scenes and move beyond just drawing the lollypop trees. They learn the parts of the trees and recognize vocabulary terms so that when they go back to school, they will know how to draw a quality picture. 

 BPL: What led you to focus on art when it came to choosing your teaching career field?

Ms. Pearson: My parents had a very important in this during my upbringing. They paid for private art lessons in drawing, calligraphy, painting. I started taking an interest in art at age 12. When it came time to make up my mind what I would major in, that was the best. 

BPL: What led you to focus on the summer art series for kids aged 7 to 10?

Ms. Pearson: I found out in my teaching career that is the inquisitive age for children wanting to learn art. They have many questions. Boys like to draw cars and super heroes; girls like to draw fashion and flowers. 

BPL: In addition to your youth art classes, you will be hosting a Five Points West Adult Sip n' Paint class at 11:30 a.m. on July 19. Talk about the class and what will take place. 

Ms. Pearson: No experience is necessary. It will be basically follow my lead. The challenge will be blending to create lights and darks. Blending is mixing the colors to get the reflections of the water – from medium blues to light blues and various shades of greens.

 BPL: What can attendees expect as they take part in your artistic journey through nature? 

Ms. Pearson: When they arrive at the library, they will receive their own canvas, their own set of brushes and paint. They will draw a brook with water lilies. I chose this subject matter because it is bright and colorful. I think the ladies and gentlemen will enjoy painting this. 

BPL: I understand you will be teaching several art classes at Five Points West Library during July. Describe some of the programs you will be leading. 

Ms. Pearson: I will do the art series with the children. They will learn the art elements of design, which will be line shape, color. They will draw portraits of people, landscapes and still life objects. 

 BPL: Have you ever done any professional paintings in a gallery? 

Ms. Pearson: I haven’t but maybe one day I will. During my career in teaching, I focused on helping students get ready to participate in various art shows, art contests, and art exhibitions.

 BPL: Do you paint as a hobby in your spare time during retirement? 

Ms. Pearson: I have not in a while. I have engaged in two new hobbies – quilting and crocheting. Since I have been preparing for this art series, an inspiration has come upon me that I plan to do soon.

BPL: What do you enjoy most about painting? 

Ms. Pearson: Painting is therapeutic. When I watch other art students, I enjoy seeing their facial expressions of joy and satisfaction from seeing their artwork come to fruition.

 BPL: Any advice for those interested in art who are considering painting as a hobby or career?

Ms. Pearson: Realize if this is a God-given talent, take your art seriously and share it with others.

Check out some of retired art teacher Susan Pearson's artwork below:

Description of above painting by artist Susan Pearson:  

Description of above painting by artist Susan Pearson:

Description of above painting by artist Susan Pearson: