The Samuel Owen Gallery of 46 Centre Street is teaming up with Meredith Hanson of Mer’s Anchored Artists this Thursday August 18 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Come down to Centre Street for a fun showcase of Nantucket’s youngest up-and-coming artists. Artists whose work is on display range from 6 to 18 years of age. Sign ups for Mer’s classes will also be available. The class is designed and taught by Meredith Hanson for kids of all ages and all levels of experience.
Mer takes her students on multiple locations, from her own home and garden to some of the most sought after scenes on the island. Mer strives to inspire all of her students to find their own “inner artist.”
Lee Milazzo, owner of the Samuel Owen Gallery, actually named the gallery after his two boys, Samuel and Owen. He says, “Kids have such great creativity and they’re not hindered by anything. Their work is free, pure, and raw.” Since the gallery opened two years ago, Lee has wanted to feature artists from the island. “The island has long been a haven for artists, this will give us an opportunity to start cultivating art at a very young age.” Mer is an oil, acrylic, and gouache painter who studied Art and Art History at Wheaton College in Norton, MA. After graduating from Wheaton in 2011, Mer packed her bags and moved to Nantucket. With an eye for color and love for exploring, Mer has journeyed all over the island to find the best painting locations.
To begin the lesson, Mer introduces a tonal painting approach. Students pick from various transparent hues to begin their wash. Drawing skills are sharpened and structured in the first few stages of the painting. She teaches and guides her students through color mixing and how to “edit” a painting. The paintings are done with acrylics, which are not only safe for students to use, they dry quickly so your artist will be able to bring home a finished and fabulous work of art.
