CREATIVE ART SOCIETY

 

The Things We Do…

CAS Online and Beyond!

In July 2021, a few dedicated members of the Creative Art Society (CAS) began pooling their collective knowledge and resources, embarking on the exciting journey of building a website for our small yet passionate art organization. What initially started as a simple idea gradually transformed into a vision that we all believed in. We weren’t entirely certain what our “online presence” would encompass, apart from casual Facebook posts, a sprinkle of Instagram updates here and there, and the occasional tweet or two on our Twitter account. (Which, by the way, are all excellent social media outlets for sharing art and engaging with the community.) Nevertheless, we understood that we wanted to reach out and warmly say hello to other artists, letting them know there exists a welcoming place to share their work, learn new techniques, and participate in art exhibits and contests. As a collaborative group, CAS holds monthly meetings and also supports high school students and college students in their endeavors, assisting them in pursuing their aspirations related to art careers. We do this through the provision of scholarships. CAS is an art group that is dedicated to sharing knowledge and helping one another while navigating our individual lives, fulfilling our wish to create and enjoy art throughout our various artistic journeys.

Our members are comprised of passionate artists. Our artists truly come from all walks of life, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to the community. If you, too, enjoy painting with a brush or a palette knife, molding and shaping with clay, capturing moments through photography, or working creatively with stained glass, pastel, a pen, pencil, a computer, or perhaps even a torch for business or sheer pleasure, you are warmly welcomed.

Whether you have a personal passion for creating art, or, as an artist, you might be looking to launch a business focused on selling your art pieces and could greatly benefit from some additional guidance and support from our talented members. You may already manage an art-related venture and are eager to learn from the experiences of others or are willing to share your own knowledge and insights with us. There are numerous CAS members who have successfully transformed their art hobbies into something much more meaningful or have initiated inspiring creative group projects. Whatever it is that you love to do, www.creativeartsociety.org strives to offer a special and welcoming place for you to gather at your convenience. The CAS website exists to provide a platform for sharing your artistic experiences and narrating your story. Please share information about CAS with your art friends and the people you meet; we would love to meet them, too.

Thank you for visiting our website. We encourage you to come back and explore more soon. CAS members truly help make all the difference in this vibrant community.

Warmest Regards,

Lyn Peraino and the CAS Web Team

We sincerely hope to provide more events like these in the near future.

Exhibit Display Opportunities
In addition to our regular offerings, we provide valuable opportunities for artists to exhibit their work in various outside shows. For example, the Wayne County Community College District previously showcased our members’ artwork in the esteemed Brown and Juanita C. Ford Gallery, located on the Downriver Campus.

Creative Art Society Members Show & Art Challenge
For two months each year, dedicated members have the chance to display their creative work in the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, allowing for wider visibility within the community.

Music & Art in the Gardens
Members are also offered a complimentary venue to both display and sell their artwork at the picturesque Heritage Park in Taylor, creating a vibrant atmosphere for art enthusiasts.

Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital
Another wonderful free venue was in Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, where approximately 15 talented CAS/DACG artists had the opportunity to display their artwork for sale to visitors and patients alike.

Fall Festival of the Arts and Art Ambience Juried and Non-Juried Exhibits, Shows and Sales
The Fall Festival of the Arts and Art Ambience are two significant events that Creative Art Society proudly presents to the public. These events represent the largest juried art shows in the Downriver area. We collaborate closely to create a delightful art show experience, complete with live art demonstrations.

Lawrence Street Gallery
Creative Art Society successfully secured the Lawrence Street Gallery for one month. During this time, we invited our talented members to display some of their recent works for sale at this well-established gallery, providing an excellent platform for exposure and engagement with art aficionados.

Wayne County Community College District Dedication to Art
Commonly referred to as WCCCD, specifically the Downriver Campus located in Taylor, Michigan, has long been recognized as a crucial hub for artistic expression and dynamic community engagement. Members of the Creative Art Society (CAS) have actively and enthusiastically participated in numerous art exhibits and Art and Crafts events that are hosted at WCCCD throughout the year. These valuable opportunities encompass a range of events, from those sponsored directly by CAS itself to individual members showcasing their unique work in various gallery exhibits. Moreover, CAS members have also made significant contributions to student exhibits held at the Downriver campus, further enriching the vibrant artistic landscape of the area. Wayne County Community College District has been an integral and supportive part of promoting artistic citizens within the downriver community, assisting CAS members in their ongoing pursuit of enhancing quality of life for all residents through art and a comprehensive art education.

Workshops
In the last few years, we have successfully hosted a variety of fun, informative, low-cost, and educational workshops that cater to diverse artistic interests. However, during the pandemic, all workshops had to be canceled, which was disappointing for many. Despite this setback, we were able to organize a few Paint-Alongs, allowing us to come together virtually to paint and create in a supportive environment.

Here is a list of some of our previous workshops:

Wood, Wine & Paint was a particularly successful event, where participants enjoyed painting and decorating their very own wooden signs. Timothy Orikri facilitated a creative interactive workshop that inspired many with his innovative techniques. Emilie Fantuz has conducted two well-received workshops focused on Palette Knife Painting, yielding impressive results from attendees. Additionally, Valerie Allen led a workshop featuring Golden Paint, enhancing participants' skills in this versatile medium.
Regardless of whether you are a new or experienced artist, the news of innovative techniques and the variety of classes and workshops offered will inspire you with ideas about what you can explore next. There is always something new to learn and discover!

Meetings
We invite you to join our upcoming free meetings, scheduled for the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm, taking place at Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, located at 14680 Dix-Toledo Hwy.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to email Maureen Keast at mkeast1@aol.com or call or text at 734-777-6109.

For additional updates, please visit our Facebook page, Creative Art Society/downrivercraftguild