Painting the Outdoors:
Bold Strokes and Fresh Air Inspire Creativity

Gadsden Arts Creative Futures Council recently hosted a memorable En Plein Air workshop at the Garden Center, guided by local artists and art professor Nan Liu. The weather was perfect—clear skies with gentle gusts of wind—setting the ideal atmosphere for the youth to immerse themselves in their art.

Inspired by our Impressionism by American Women exhibition, which is on display until May 10, the participants had the unique opportunity to work with oil paint—something not typically accessible due to its cost. This workshop not only introduced new materials but also allowed them to expand their creative horizons in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

Throughout the day, there were plenty of laughs, moments of determination, and a shared sense of community. Nan Liu’s talent and encouragement were truly inspiring, empowering the youth to trust their own artistic abilities. As someone who was once a student of Nan myself, I’m thrilled to see him inspiring this next generation of young artists, just as he inspired me. It was a wonderful moment that demonstrated the power of creativity and the strength of our local community.

— Kaiyla Thompson, Museum Educator

The Creative Futures Council is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Art for Children & Youth programs are made possible by our Art for Children Donors, sponsors Bell & Bates Home Center and Sunnyside Farm Management, and a grant awarded by the Community Foundation of North Florida.