by Katelynn Cole
For the painters, drawers, photographers, actors and nature fanatics of the area, a new creative forum has recently opened for your benefit. The Sanctuary for the Arts in Sunbury opened in May as a center for creativity for anyone looking to be inspired.
According to its Web site, www.Sanctuary-for-The-Arts.com, the Sanctuary is “located in a serene wooded setting where personal creativity can be enriched and expanded through inspirational classes, individual pursuits or quiet reflection,” about 45 minutes from downtown Columbus.
Sydney Schardt and her husband lived in the Sunbury home for 18 years before deciding to open it up for a creative cause. The abundant plant life and flowing creek surrounding the house have been very inspirational for Schardt, who is a writer and photographer.
“The idea [for the Sanctuary] sprang from realizing that my own creativity has been inspired by nature and from a willingness to share a natural corner of the world with other artists for creativity, which I believe is essential to life,” says Schardt.
The Sanctuary offers several classes and opportunities to expand artistic ideas. Though some classes are held on a consistent basis and some have been repeated, the classes offered are as unique and varying as the creativity they enthuse.
“Classes are unique in subject and vary in structure. Some are all day workshops, some are evenings, some daytime and some are monthly,” says Schardt.
The fall season has just begun with classes exploring visual, literary and dramatic arts taught by editors, professors and experienced artists.
The line-up includes "Drawing at First," a class that teaches the basics for drawing. "Soul of Books" is a class offered to discuss books and to create your own altered book. "Flowing Studies" the use of water as an art element and uses the water from the creek. And an acting class called "Actwrite," is for people who want to learn to write plays and to act.
For a full list of classes or more information, visit www.Sanctuary-for-The-Arts.com. The Sanctuary is open from April through October. Friday all day and Sunday afternoons are open studios to explore the grounds and relax on the porch for $8. Plein Air Membership is $20 a month, which gives access every day, but requires calling ahead of time. Otherwise, visit by appointment or sign up for a class. Prices may vary.