OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The act of painting opens countless avenues of creativity, embodying the human spirit and experience. Let’s Paint! is a unique program hosted by world-renowned artist Seth Benzel in partnership with the Marion Cultural Alliance at the 8th Avenue Gallery in Ocala. This marks Benzel’s first time conducting a program of this kind in the area.
“It’s the type of thing that, if it’s successful, I’d like to do three of these a year,” says Benzel. “I always had this concept that it wouldn’t always just be a gallery—it would also be a creative space. I think this is everything along those lines, where you have people creating that space as well. That’s very important. We also have artists here who are working and have workspaces attached to the gallery. That’s very much a complement to what we have going on.”
|A collection of Christmas cookie memories from our Editor-in-Chief: Share yours!
The program is open to everyone, regardless of skill level or experience. Benzel conceived the idea while working in Dubai, where he taught classes to artists with diverse skill levels and styles. His primary focus was ensuring that students weren’t simply imitating his work but expressing themselves individually. This approach is central to Let’s Paint!
Part of the program includes instruction from Benzel, but the ultimate goal is for participants to develop and express their unique artistic voice. “The way that I teach is open,” explains Benzel, who splits his time between Dubai, New York, and Ocala, where he visits several times a year. “I always say there’s an ‘a-ha’ moment in the teaching process for me. There’s a point where I’m guiding them, and then it switches to where the student takes over, and they get it. That understanding is very important for me because I realize their journey has started.”
An exhibition showcasing the works of seven artists from a previous course Benzel taught illustrated this concept. Despite receiving the same instruction, each piece was distinctly different, reflecting the individuality of each artist.
Personal Connections and a Shared Passion for Art
One of the participants in the Dec. 5, 2024, session was Donna Rothballer, who has a background in art but doesn’t create professionally. Rothballer met Benzel shortly after the gallery’s inception in August 2018 and has maintained a connection with him ever since.
“I thought, I’ll come down and meet him, support this new artist, and I show up, and [he] had all his dad’s stuff at the gallery,” Rothballer shares, referring to Benzel’s father, John, who was an architect and artist.
The two bonded over their shared connection to Syracuse University, where Rothballer earned a BFA in photography. Their friendship grew, and Rothballer was thrilled to renew their acquaintance at Let’s Paint! She took part in two sessions with five other participants, improving her skills under Benzel’s guidance.
A Program for All Ages
Let’s Paint! is open to artists of all ages and skill levels. The program fee includes a canvas, art supplies, and instruction, with options to attend one day or multiple days. Classes run daily from Dec. 5 through Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $75 for adults and $40 for children 12 years and under.