Most people spend their lives investing in their families, their work and their community. However, they often forget to invest in themselves.
The Firehouse Art Center has been investing in the community for decades, and they offer a myriad of creative opportunities for individuals of any skill level to take some time exploring the arts.
“We are beginner-friendly,” said Nikki Krumwiede, programs coordinator for the Firehouse Art Center.
“People come for one class and then come back over and over again. They make friends in class and then take other classes together—it’s a great place to network with artistic people.”
Through innovative programming, the Firehouse Art Center continuously reevaluates its course offerings to meet the community’s interests. Glass and jewelry classes always fill quickly, but the subject matter varies greatly from there.
A painting class may focus on landscapes, people, multimedia, animals or abstract designs. Other offerings include photography, pottery, drawing, crocheting, sculpting, calligraphy and paper arts. Classes are offered in four- and eight-week courses, with additional, shorter workshops that usually take place on weekends.
Classes may be skill-level restricted, but most offer individuals of any interest or skill level the opportunity to start and try their hand at a new art.
“It’s not about perfection; it’s about the process,” Krumwide said. “Art allows individuals to learn a new skill, but they also get to express themselves in ways that they might never previously have had.”
There is a post-COVID movement for empty nesters to get out of the house, learn something new, and engage with others face-to-face. Investing in a community art center through courses, art exhibitions and art events allows individuals to make new friends, explore new skills that they are interested in at their own pace, and positively engage in their community.
“Investing in yourself expands what you believe is possible,” said Tricia Edwards, artist and international inner flow guide.
“Whether learning a skill that fuels your imagination or flexing it through creative expression, you break free from rigid thinking and open doors to new opportunities. By strengthening your capacity for curiosity, imagination and expression, you ‘unlimit your beliefs,’ your choices and the life you never knew was possible.”
The Firehouse Art Center offers art courses and events for children and parents/children. They haven’t forgotten Fido and Fluffy, either, hosting events that feature and benefit pets.
“We are a community resource,” Krumwiede said. “We welcome anyone to come by; pop your head in and see what is going on and how you can get involved. We love meeting new people and showing them around the Firehouse.”
For anyone who is ready to start giving back, the Firehouse Art Center offers several opportunities to invest in the community. Individuals can volunteer in classes, at art events or at the Healing Studio—for individuals who are differently abled. If a person is artistically inclined, they might want to teach a workshop, and if the response to their workshop is positive, they might be asked to teach a course.
Other opportunities to get involved in community arts include Art Forces, a free program for veterans and active service members; Zoo Sketch, where individuals learn about drawing through sketching animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens; Equality Club, dedicated to promoting equality through the creative expression of visual arts; and Art After School, which offers a delightful array of creative courses for children of all ages.
Spending time in any creative endeavor is key to a well-balanced lifestyle. Expressing yourself, learning new skills, making and sustaining relationships in a positive community culture, and giving back are all integral to destressing, exploring your community and investing in the most important person in your life—you.
A list of events and courses is available at the Firehouse Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave. in Norman, or online at NormanFirehouse.com.