The SHAPE Gallery hosted a mixed media art demonstration on Feb. 22. 

Dee Henry, a retired teacher and now an artist, showcased her skills and shared art tips and her creativity with those in attendance.

Henry created a mixed media project by using old canvas and “art supplies” including random objects found at flea markets and scraps of old projects. She created a forest scene by combining old canvas, newspaper, a cloth stained by rust and acrylic paints. 

Henry explained that she enjoys mixed media art because of its unpredictability. 

“You’re never quite sure what’s going to happen,” she said

This type of art gets your hands messy and gives you the chance to give old items a new life, she added.

Henry explained that by creating new types of art, she is learning just like everyone else and has a chance to express herself the way she wishes she could have when she was younger.

She told attendees that if they don’t like something in their art, they should cover it, scrape it off or even burn it. 

Mixed media art is unique in that it does not cost much to purchase materials; anything can be used to create a mixed media piece. In her demonstration, Henry showed a collection of canvas, coffee grounds, paper scraps, maps, gears and computer parts that can be used in mixed media. 

Henry’s art demonstration was the first of 13 art such events being hosted at the SHAPE Gallery. Brandii Kligge will bring the next art demonstration on expressionism to SHAPE on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 1-2:30 pm. 

The SHAPE Gallery will also host various workshops and classes beginning in March as well as exhibits year-round. 

Visit SHAPE’s website at ShapeArt.org for more information about the gallery. The gallery is open Wednesday through Friday, 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, 11-4 p.m. 

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