Tribute to a Class Member
Sheridan resident Bobbi Wakefield passed away in July due to
complications following a liver transplant. When she wasn't at out-of-state wood carvers' workshops,
Bobbi was a regular at the "Uncorked" classes I teach at the Sagebrush
Community Art Center. If you're
not familiar with "Uncorked," it's a musical, evening painting workshop
during which I guide participants step-by-step in creating their own 16x20
acrylic paintings. "Uncorked"
is successful because there's no pressure; everyone ends up with a painting,
laughs a lot, and learns a little about the elements of art & acrylic paint
properties. You can
find classes like this in most cities across the nation.
I'd known that Bobbi was an accomplished woodcarver, and
that she also painted. She arrived
to class early and often stayed after, washing the water buckets and helping
clean up. I'd learned that she was
a teacher for many years, that she loved her children and nature. At Bobbi's funeral I learned much more
about this humble woman- that she was an exceptional
carver, and a highly skilled painter of realism. Her paintings and sculptures shine with a joy apparent to
the viewer. Bobbi put her heart
into her artwork. She also wrote
touching poems and poignant essays, some of which were shared at her services. This woman was so much more creative
than her perfectly executed "Uncorked" canvases could attest.
Bobbi's son spoke of her talent at her funeral, and with
obvious bewilderment, reported, "she took a painting class where they painted
sorta Picasso stuff -not really my style." After seeing Bobbi's level of ability in the sculpture and
paintings displayed at her funeral, I'd pondered the same thing. Bobbi didn't come to Uncorked to learn
to paint, nor to share much about her talent nor her life- I had no idea she
had health issues. Bobbi attended
these classes for other reasons: camaraderie; helping others -she always had thoughtful
suggestions to make a subject easier; encouraging others; having fun; and
sharing -like I do- in the joy of watching first-timers realize that they can
create something with paint.
People in our classes range in age from their 20's to their 80's,
men and women with various backgrounds and professions. Most first-timers attend "Uncorked"
not having painted since their Prang watercolor sets in grade school. Some become regulars and bring
friends. Others are inspired to buy
paints and sign up for classes at the Art Center or Sheridan College. Some attend simply for a fun time out
of the house and away from work. Regardless
of why she attended, her caring heart and positive attitude made Bobbi an
important part of our class. Seeing
the true caliber of her talent and knowing she chose to spend time amongst our crazy group makes me smile. Her humility inspires me. I'm thankful to have known her, and I
know for a fact that Bobbi's painting, carving, writing and sharing her love of
creating still, right now.
Bobbi with a painting she'd done at "Uncorked," (left), and a beautiful individual painting she'd begun at "Uncorked" and finished at home.