Have you ever gazed at a painting and wondered, ‘Could I do that??
Have you been searching for a way to express yourself?
Do you believe there’s an artist inside you just waiting to break free?
Well, Margot’s Gallery & Frame in downtown Oxford is now offering art classes every Thursday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m for people 16 years and older.
‘People have been asking (for classes) and artists have approached me too,? said owner Margot VanHorn. ‘It allows people to learn, expand their horizons, and helps artists become more well known, develop a bigger reputation.?
The eight-week, $145 art course is taught by Oxford artist Debbie Johnson, a painter who works with watercolors.
VanHorn hopes to continue the art classes with Bill Dwyer, a local photographer whom she’s working with to establish either a class or lecture.
Those wishing to be on the other side of the canvass can arrange to sit for a group of ‘working artists? who gather at Margot’s Gallery & Frame to do it.
VanHorn said every Monday night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. a group of artists, sometimes as many as 15, come to her shop to paint portraits. Usually they hire a model, but if any member of the public would like to come in and model for free, they’re more than welcome to do so.
After modeling, the person can then have their choice of portraits to purchase, if they wish to do so. So many artists, you’re bound to find a portrait that captures your essence and tastes.
Contrary to popular belief, art doesn’t have to be something that’s only to be looked at, interpreted or hung on a wall. Art can be functional. It can have an everyday use.
Margot’s Gallery & Frame in downtown Oxford offers a wide variety of functional art including painted furniture, mirrors, shelving units, lamps, clocks, coat racks, vases, and cocktail and wine glasses.
‘I think more and more of the people who are buying art want it to have a function, to be useful,? said owner Margot VanHorn.
Functional art, or art in general, makes for great gifts, according to VanHorn.
‘We offer unique gifts for unique people,? she said, adding her prices are very reasonable. ‘We have items that start at $8.?
For those who still like their art to be something that’s strictly appreciated and displayed, VanHorn will be hosting a number of showings in the coming months.
In early May, Margot’s Gallery will welcome Jean Poulet, an artist from Livonia who works with mixed media, meaning acrylics, watercolors, prints, etc. VanHorn described Poulet’s art work as ‘abstract.?
A group show consisting of five artists will take place in early June, offering art lovers the opportunity to view a variety of works, styles and media.
In October, Durwood Coffey, a wildlife artist, will return to Margot’s Gallery with his realistic acrylic art.
‘It’s a good way for people to be introduced to an artist they may not be familiar with,? VanHorn said. ‘It allows people to see a full range of their works.?
‘It’s a wonderful opportunity to encourage budding young artists by giving them a venue to express themselves to the public,? VanHorn said.
If you already have something suitable for framing, Margot’s Gallery & Frame can help you with more than 2,000 frames to choose from and over 20 years experience. ‘I frame for a lot of artists. Many come to me,? VanHorn said.
But it doesn’t necessarily have to be a photograph or painting that’s framed.
VanHorn said she can do collages in which personal mementos of a trip or an event ? such as plane tickets, theater tickets, a restaurant menu, match books, etc. ? can be framed together for display.
‘Why keep nice memories hidden away in a shoe box, where they’re hardly ever seen or forgotten altogether?? VanHorn said. ‘Imagination is the only limitation? as to what can be framed.
VanHorn can also frame signature portraits ? for events such as weddings, showers, birthdays, etc. ? which consist of the photo surrounded by signatures of friends and loved ones on special mat.
But whatever your artistic needs and wants ? be they for jewelry, decorative tiles, pottery, sculpture, and acrylic, oil or water color paintings ? Margot’s Gallery & Frame has it all.
Stop by the gallery located at 5 S. Washington St. to open your mind and eyes to the wonderful world of art at affordable prices. For more information call (248) 628-5398.