Arts & Entertainment
The Nest Invites Norcross Residents to Get Creative
At an open house Saturday night, Norcross residents were invited to The Nest to try hands-on painting, paper mache and sculpture. If you missed it, you can still sign up for art workshops at The Nest.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to paint. Or you’d like to make a piñata for your child’s birthday party, but you’re intimidated by paper mache.
The Nest invited the public in Saturday night to its Summerfest see that art is much easier than you think. At the open house, stations were set up for people to try hands-on projects such as sculpture or painting.
“We really want people to come in and get a feel for what it’s like to do these workshops,” said Lori Sturgess, director of The Nest, “just to learn a new craft or learn something new.”
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The Nest opened last year as a place for artists to work and display their art, as well for Norcross residents to experience art – by browsing the gallery, purchasing linen art for sale or taking hands-on workshops.
At the open house, guests were served appetizers and wine, while a brass band played in the reception area. Several family members came to support artists or interns from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology.
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At a painting station, board member John Heald tried his hand at painting a dog on a wine glass.
Tom Forkner and his wife, Vera, came out to support his sister, Marti Forkner-Vernon, an artist whose studio is on the top floor.
“I think this is really great for the community and the city, it sets it apart from other cities,” Tom Forkner said.
Forkner-Vernon, whose acrylic paintings line the walls of The Nest, moved her studio there a few months ago. She said she paints there every morning. “I love it here. Norcross just seems to be the place where art really is.”
And if you missed Summerfest on Saturday, you can contact The Nest to sign up for an adult workshop or summer art camp for your kids, the “Where Kids Create” Summer Arts Program. Kids are given projects based on their age and experience, such as painting, garden art, knitting, journal designs, food art and jewelry making. The Nest is also offering “French art” classes for adults.
The Nest is located at 17 College Street in Historic Downtown Norcross. To sign up for the “Where Kids Create” Summer Arts Program, contact Carole Andrews at 404-822-0474, email her at reclaimedliving@gmail.com, or go to www.reclaimedliving.com. To take adult workshops at The Nest, go to www.nest-nac.com/bookings or contact Lori Sturgess at 678-429-3005.
