ArtMix Presents

The Greatriarchs

The Greatriarchs are long term residents of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. They are leaders, nurturers, mentors, and friends of the old and new residents of their neighborhood. 

During an eight week class with ArtMix, the Greatriarchs came together on Friday mornings to draw, paint, collage, and share their stories. The Greatriarchs were guided through different projects each week by Teaching Artist, Bella Heilbrunn. During each class, the Greatriarchs focused on a different theme. Bella says, “One week’s project was painting flowers in a vase. We were inspired by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Manet. The students were asked to use their favorite color, type of flowers, tablecloths and shapes of vases.”

The eight-week course culminated with the Greatriarchs’ largest work:  24” x 48” acrylic paintings on canvas. On this Bella says, “For our final painting project, we got to use large canvases for yet another new experience. It was a little intimidating at first for some. But once we warmed up and it turned into a ‘feel-good painting,’ we didn’t want to stop. For this piece, each student painted whatever they wanted. I really enjoyed getting to know the Greatriarchs by watching them paint, listening to their stories and hearing them sing.”

These works were on display in ArtMix’s gallery for our Feburary and March shows.