One of the elements city planners and promoters tell the
world people look at in a community are values labeled “quality of life.” The basic resources of clean water, healthy
environment, power, communication, safety infrastructures, education, and places
to purchase needed goods are the basic requirements. What ‘sells’ a community
are the value added components that enrich life: libraries, museums, theaters,
sports programs, community festivals and events, and engagement with a broad
range of arts. These make for a better and more enjoyable life and are
qualities people seek for communities to live in and raise their families.
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| DIRECTOR ROB SMITH |
Often communities focus on athletics and ignore the benefits
– indeed – necessary aspects of the arts in daily life. Athletic programs train
and exercise the physical body and the arts train, exercise and give outlet for
the inner life's healthy development.
In Cushing, Oklahoma children, youth and adults are benefiting from exposure to - and experience with – the arts (drawing, painting
and pottery) through short term classes and exhibitions sponsored by the
Lachenmeyer Arts Center.
Currently housed in the Cushing Community and Youth Center
(CYCC) at 700 S. Little Avenue, Cushing, Oklahoma). The expanding Center reflects the combined
efforts of the City of Cushing and the O.H. and Hattie Mae Lachenmeyer
Development Trust. Classes are offered
just about every season in basic drawing, painting (using several mediums) and
various pottery-clay based art styles. Additionally, art books and magazines
related to art are available for students to gain insight and grow as budding creatives (including Art Focus Oklahoma, Artist’s
Magazine, Ceramics Monthly, and Professional Artist).
According to the Lachenmeyer Arts Center Mission Statement, the
center is a “fine arts facility created by the O.H. and Hattie Mae Lachenmeyer
Development Trust to promote the fine arts in the Cushing community and
surrounding areas. The Arts Center is a place where students, teachers, and
artists can be brought together for productive hands on experiences in a
variety of arts areas. The Center also sponsors exhibitions of art as well as
workshops and seminars for the community.”
Hours for the Lachenmeyer Arts Center are 9 am to 9 pm on
Monday, 9am – 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday, 6 pm to 9 pm on Thursday. Membership
in the CYCC is not required to attend classes in the Lachemeyer Arts Center.
For more information, or to have your name added to the mail out for upcoming
classes and events, contact the Center’s Director, Rob Smith at 918-225-7525.
The Lachenmeyer Arts Center classes provide economical and
accessible arts instruction and enjoyment for everyone. The program is
definitely one of the enriching features that expand on the “quality of life”
for those in and around Cushing, Oklahoma.
--Marilyn A. Hudson
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