Family First: Rhythmic Painting with Artist Natalie Chanel

Join teaching artist Natalie Chanel in this simple yet dazzling painting workshop!

This month's Family First is inspired by the work of painter Alma Thomas. We invite your family to learn about Ms. Thomas' life as well as major themes in her signature style of large, abstract paintings filled with patterns of bright colors. Among many exceptional accomplishments, Thomas was the first Black artist to have a show at the Whitney Museum in New York City, and her work can be found in the White House's permanent art collection. During the workshop, we will create abstract paintings that display a vertical or circular composition. This experience is open to all ages and experience levels. Although not required, there will be time at the end of the workshop to showcase your newly created masterpiece!

To fully engage in the art process, you will need:

• Paper (preferably drawing or watercolor paper)
• Paint (of any kind, any and all colors)
• A circular object (to trace over your paper

The workshop will be streamed live on Friday, September 4 at 3 pm via Zoom. Click/tap here to access and participate in the workshop on September 4.

Also, if you would like to watch the workshop live, please tune in to the Gantt Center's official YouTube channel here on September 4.

Natalie Chanel Jones is an artist, small business owner and a Visual Arts Specialist for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. She has ten years of experience working as an art teacher and teaching artist throughout the east coast and the Midwest. She received her B.F.A. degree from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia and her M.A. degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

During the summer months, Natalie travels to different countries to learn about different ethnic cultural practices and the different textile and artistic traditions that have been passed down over time. During her traveling journey, she has developed a deep passion for observing, photographing and meeting different people from all over the world. She has photographed people and cultural traditions in Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and India. Some of her photographs can be found in two published books entitled: Las Tradicionales Viven by Ñawpa Yachayninchiskunaqa Kawsanmi (2018) and Heirs' Property in the African American Community by Anderson Jones (cover art-2013).

Currently, she is working on a photography project that sheds light on the murders of black men at the hands of law enforcement and spotlighting highly intelligent black males in high schools throughout the Charlotte public school system.