Holly Van Gogh's Invite People to Come Make Art on Mondays

Holly Van Gogh’s Invite People to Come Make Art on Mondays

(Crystal A. Proxmire, orig. Feb. 27, 2022, republished Aug. 2, 2022)

Holly, MI- Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who just likes to color, the Holly Van Goghs provides a welcoming space to make art, and friends.

The group meets Mondays at the Karl Richter Community Center in Holly, from 11am to 1pm. Attendees can bring their own projects, or use art supplies that are there. When there are holidays and the building is closed, it’s Battle Ally Coffee that plays host. They also helped out during the pandemic when the group could not meet at the center.

In either setting, the joy of connection and the laughs in good conversation fills the room. Whether it’s talking about characters from old tv shows and local happenings, or more serious conversations about the ups and downs of life, the group is there to make art and share.

At a recent Van Gogh meeting, organizer Angela Lemon used watercolors to make a birthday card. Don Ihrke did a coloring page. And others did sketching, knitting, and even sharing a quilting project.

For Ihrke it’s a chance to get out and see friends. For Shawna Campbell the Van Goghs is a place to heal. She started coming to the group after her teenage son was killed in an accident. “I thought water colors were the only thing I could control,” she said. “I learned to embrace it. When everything was out of control, it was okay to paint – to empty your head for two hours and not think of anything else.”

While the community center has more space and supplies, Campbell is grateful for the meetings at the coffee shop. “At the coffee shop people came in all the time and would stop and ask, ‘hey what are you doing?” It was fun to have that interaction,” she said.

The group has taken to social media to let people know they’re welcome to come join in the creativity. Each week Lemon posts pictures of the creations on Facebook, and those who want to stay connected through the week can join the Holly Van Goghs Facebook Group. All ages and abilities are welcome. Bring a project from home or start one there.