Paint with Spirit, a relaxed evening including acrylic painting instruction, was held Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the activity room adjacent to the Strand Movie Theatre on Fourth Street in Hamburg. The event, which promised a fun night of painting, wine and laughter, benefited the Hamburg Area Art Alliance and Hamburg’s Our Town Foundation.
Dina Madara of OTF and Martha Ressler, a local artist and member of HAAA, worked together to organize the event.
“We were looking for a fundraiser for the art alliance,” Ressler explained, and members decided on a paint-night event, in part because many people are familiar with the concept. Typically, this includes an artist teaching students of all ability levels to recreate a sample painting. Often, wine and refreshments are part of the class.
Ressler originally worked with a national organization to set up the Hamburg event but those plans fell through. Fortunately, Ressler added, Amanda Condict, an artist and teacher from Boyertown and member of the Berks Area Art Alliance, stepped in to lead the paint night. “And,” Ressler added, “it turned out to be a smashing success.”
Fifteen people attended Paint with Spirit in Hamburg. Each participant created a fall picture based on a painting by Condict which featured a path winding through colorful trees. Silhouettes of a couple were also on the path. Condict walked participants through the steps, starting with techniques to paint the sky and progressing to color nuances and perspective to add depth and reality to the paintings.
“Amanda gave little hints towards how people could be more observant. An artist has to notice things like that,” Ressler explained. “She gave little lessons without being too didactic. I bet you everyone walked out of there looking at the shapes of trees differently.”
The entry fee covered the cost of supplies: a blank canvas, colorful acrylic paints and brushes. Participants also enjoyed light refreshments and complimentary wine. The resulting atmosphere was relaxed and congenial.
“I went to support the group,” Ressler said, whose husband, Jay, also joined the painting night, “but I ended up having a lot of fun. It’s always good to see how another art teacher handles thing.”
Tonia Krick of Hamburg was one of the fledgling artists at the event. “I had a fun time at paint night,” she said. “It was my first time attending and I can’t wait for another painting event to come to town. I will definitely be there!”
Her friend, Justine Sampson of Edenburg, agreed.
“I had a fantastic time and it was really great meeting new people,” Sampson said, noting that Condict’s calm teaching style was key. “It was a great time to get out. Basically, a mommy’s night out; even if my kids are older, we still need that from time to time.”
Future paint nights in Hamburg are possible, but HAAA members will need to discuss the possibilities at their next meeting.
“We haven’t decided yet but people are definitely asking,” Ressler confirmed. “I think another class would be a good idea, especially around the holidays.”
The Hamburg Area Art Alliance exists to both support local artists and promote art awareness among residents of Hamburg and surrounding areas. HAAA is a sub-committee of the Our Town Foundation, a group committed to the revitalization of the town of Hamburg. For more information, visit in person at 335 State Street in Hamburg or call 610-562-3106.
