Albany Museum of Art offers greeting card workshop

ALBANY ─ Southwest Georgians are being asked to help spread Christmas and holiday cheer by participating in the Handmade Holiday Card Outreach Workshop on Dec 14, at the Albany Museum of Art. The free workshop, led by artist LaKeisha J. Smith-Martin, will benefit local hospice care and nursing home residents.

“This is an AMA Teen Art Board community project,” Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem, who advises the student group, said. “We will create handmade holiday cards with heart-felt messages for those in our community who could use a little extra joy this season. These special cards will be delivered by the AMA Teen Art Board and anyone who wishes to join them as they visit hospice care and nursing home residents.”

The Albany Museum of Art will provide all the materials needed to make the cards.

“This free event is a wonderful opportunity to use the power of art to connect with those who need a friend this holiday season,” Vanoteghem said. “Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to make a difference, your creativity can bring warmth and happiness to others.”

The Teen Art Board is an organization of high school students from Dougherty and neighboring counties that works to better the community through art. During the school year, the board conducts projects that benefit the community.

This will be the second workshop at the AMA led by Smith-Martin, a local visual and performing artist, art educator, and art advocate. Last September, she led a special Saturday-morning Coffee & Canvases painting party at which participants recreated Alma Thomas’ 1970 painting “The Eclipse.”

“This will be a meaningful experience for everyone who participates,” Vanoteghem said. “A simple act of kindness can have such a tremendous impact. When you brighten someone’s day by showing they are remembered and appreciated, you will brighten your own.”

A link to RSVP for the free workshop may be found at www.albanymuseum.com/events/handmade-holiday-card-outreach-workshop/.

The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive, adjacent to Albany State University’s West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.

Special Photo: Albany Museum of Art