By Martha Nodar
More than 30 years ago, a passion for art and a knack for fundraising motivated a parent from the Paideia School in mapping out a vision to raise money for the school while highlighting and supporting local artists. Art Visions, the brainchild of the late Dottie McRae, has passed the test of time and it is celebrating its 32nd season this fall as a parent-run fine art and craft sale on the Paideia campus.
“Paideia is known for having parents who are very involved,” said Judy Schwarz, director of parent involvement. “Dottie was both an involved parent and a promoter of the arts. She was an art collector and had many friends who were artists.”
Every November, the school’s practice gym is converted into an indoor art gallery where artists from both the Paideia community and the community at large exhibit their work on consignment. Geared toward kicking off the holiday-shopping season, the two-day annual event takes place before Thanksgiving, either the second or the third weekend in November. This year it will be open to the public on Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 16 from noon to 5 p.m.
A kids’ corner has been designed for children ages 5 and older to do collages and print cards as a way to keep them occupied while their parents may be browsing or shopping, Schwarz said.
Shondra Thomas, Paideia’s art teacher said she frequently recognizes familiar faces every year. “People in the community find out about the event through word-of-mouth,” she said.
Thomas is also a volunteer Paideia parent and one of the local artists who sell their work at the annual show. She said she loves making jewelry and answering the patrons’ questions about her craft. A percentage from all the proceeds benefits the school’s art program.
Schwarz said that what began decades ago with just 20 local artists exhibiting their pieces has grown over the years to approximately 100 participants whose work may include paintings, drawings, jewelry, pottery, photography, collages, and mixed media.
“Our event is an amazing forum for local artists to come together,” said Meghan Green, Art Visions’ co-chair. “We welcome the community to this unique creative outlet.”
Green, a Midtown resident, said she and her co-chair Robin Critz, a fellow volunteer Paideia parent, visit area galleries, festivals and art events especially in the summer looking for new talent and contacting artists.
“I am the master-mind organizer planner and Robin is the artsy creative genius,” Green said.
Green added this year patrons may expect to find homemade aprons, children’s accessories, homemade candles, organic products and much more.
“It is very exciting to provide the community with such a fun shopping spree,” Green said.
The Paideia School is located at 1509 Ponce de Leon Ave. For more information, visit paideiaschool.org.
