Young art student Katherine Caudill sits in reflection as she takes a break from drawing in the cozy home studio of her art teacher. She is seated by a window, with two small piano lamps illuminating her piece, a sunflower seed pod. Her teacher and local artist, Rhonda McEnroe, gently encourages her by explaining value, shade, and color in the context of this intricate work-in-progress. Katherine has only been taking lessons since mid-July, but she is already making significant progress on this piece, which happens to be her first work of art. Katherine comes from a talented, artsy family, gifted in acting and music, so she decided to try her hand at art. She meets with McEnroe once a week for individualized, one-on-one lessons.
Instead of sharing time in group classes or workshops (both of which McEnroe leads on occasion), “students get my full attention in these sessions,” McEnroe beamed. As a self-taught and renowned local artist, Rhonda McEnroe is passionate about her craft and especially the recognition and development of her students. As a result, McEnroe is hosting the very first “One on One Art Exhibit,” to showcase all twenty of her private art students. Independence Bank is the proud corporate sponsor of this exhibit. The opening reception will be held on Monday evening, November 21 from 6 – 8 p.m., at the Ralph Center on Kentucky Wesleyan College’s campus. The exhibit will run from November 29 through December 9, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.. The One on One exhibit and its opening reception are open to the general public.
The students who will be exhibiting their artwork are as follows: Mattie Baker, Ella Bartholomy, Jarrett Buckner, Lance Burdette, Katherine Caudill, Madison Connor, Gracie Cummings, Sarah Edge, Satori Greer, Nya Hammonds, Lily Hayden, Caroline Head, Hallie Howard, Alexia Kim, Emilee Lampert, Lucy Leath, Caitlin Lewis, Camille Luttrell, Macy Ward, and Ellen Wright. These budding artists range from age seven to twenty-four. Fifty-two paintings of various subjects will be showcased by these young people who have focused on their talents at the easel.
This exhibit is a way to celebrate these kids and their talent, efforts, and creativity, because ”they do this quietly, not in a sports arena where they are cheered on…” according to McEnroe. A piece of art is something that can last forever. McEnroe’s exhibit has also garnered statewide attention; Kentucky Educational Television (KET) has noticed the talent of these students and their enthusiastic teacher and will feature the One on One Exhibit for a special program in 2017.
McEnroe would like to encourage potential art students of all ages to consider one on one art classes with her. Classes are uniquely created for the wish of the student, to give them the availability of instruction when and how students desire it. McEnroe’s home studio is a welcoming place, with relaxing music, meaningful conversation, ideal for cultivating creativity. If you or someone you know might be interested, check out her website (enroestudio.com) or contact her directly at [email protected], 270-684-9910, or 270-993-2282.
This article was originally published in the November/December issue of Owensboro Parent Magazine.
