By CACB Staff, featuring artist insights from Jessie Bryant.
Discover how trying something new through our Creative Arts Center Bonham (CACB) painting workshops can build confidence that extends beyond the canvas.
The Courage to Create
Have you ever hesitated to try something artistic because you weren’t sure you’d be “good at it”? Many people struggle with how to overcome a fear of painting, but at the Creative Arts Center of Bonham, instructor Jessie Bryant has developed an approach to teaching art that focuses less on technical perfection and more on building the confidence to try something new.
“Teaching a paint party is less about TELLING someone a technique or a specific way to do something, and more about providing them with a safe place to navigate a new world and try new things,” Jessie explains. “And what does trying something new and accomplishing that do for a person? It grows confidence, bravery, ambition, self-worth, and problem-solving skills! It allows one to be brave enough to go and try that next new thing on their bucket list!”
Creating the Right Environment
For many first-time painters, the obstacle isn’t lack of talent but fear of making mistakes. Jessie’s classes address this directly through a carefully cultivated atmosphere.
“It is the act of cultivating a community and environment that is light and easy, fresh and fun, and peaceful and safe,” she says. “Putting on a little music, cracking a few jokes, and presenting people with the tools they need to be successful permits them to be able to make a mistake and see that it really is all ‘figure-out-able’ in the end.”
This approach comes from Jessie’s extensive background in education, where she learned that successful learning depends more on a student’s mindset than on the specific techniques being taught.
“After years of teaching humans, I was pretty positive that the way to get someone to learn was to build their confidence and provide them with reassurance along the way,” she shares. “It wasn’t about the subject a person was learning, but about the state of mind they were in.”
Success Beyond the Canvas
The results speak for themselves. Many participants arrive at these art classes feeling like they are non-artists, convinced they “can’t even draw a stick figure” and leave with a painting they’re proud to display in their homes. More importantly, they leave with a sense of accomplishment that often inspires them to tackle other challenges. This transfer of confidence from creative activities to other life challenges is precisely what Jessie hopes to foster in her step-by-step painting classes for beginners.
As Jessie would say: “Trust the process. We are ALL becoming.”
Experience It Yourself: “Girls of Summer” Paint Party
Ready to build your own creative confidence? Looking for fun things to do in Bonham, Texas? Join Jessie for the “Girls of Summer” paint party on Tuesday, May 6 at 6-8:30 pm. With pre-drawn canvases and step-by-step guidance, you’ll create a unique piece crafted with your personalized details and memories.
You’ll have two design choices — a girl with sunglasses or a girl with a drink in her hand — and endless ways to customize your creation. As Jessie guides you through the process, you’ll select colors for hair, skin, and other details to make your girl uniquely yours.
The paint party coincides with the June art show theme of “Being Myself,” and while participants are encouraged to display their artwork in the exhibition, it’s entirely optional.
All supplies and snacks are provided, and beginners are especially welcome! The cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Registration deadline is noon on May 3.
To join Jessie’s “Girls of Summer” paint party, register online, call (903) 640-2196 or visit the Creative Arts Center at 200 W. 5th St. in Bonham during business hours.
