By Wil Crews
Opelika Observer

Do you love to paint? Are you an aspiring artist looking to further better your craft? Or are you just looking to test the waters of a potential new hobby?

If any of these statements apply to you, the “UNO” Art Workshop, sponsored by the Sarah Carlisle Towery Alabama Art Colony, might be an event for you.

The full day workshop is being held at the Opelika Art Haus at 500 N. Railroad Ave., June 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

“We invite anybody that’s inspired,” said Barbara Calhoun Grimes, marketing and public relations director for Alabama Art Colony. “They don’t have to be a professional, they can just be someone who loves art and loves to grow.”

For $95 participants can learn to paint fish with watercolors from “ONE artist in ONE day.”

The fee covers all paints and paper, the instruction and a lunch sponsored by Opelika’s O-Town ice cream shop and eatery.

Kathleen Cottrell Bossell will be conducting the class this year. She is an experienced art teacher who grew up on the waters of LA (Lower Alabama), giving her a penchant for marine life and fish in particular.

The workshop will be adequately social distanced as seats are limited. Reserve a spot today at alabamaartcolony.org/uno-art-workshop. Payment can be made via PayPal on the website or sent through the mail.

While “UNO” is only a day-long event, the workshop is actually a scholarship fundraiser for the week-long “2020 SCT Alabama Art Colony” being held Oct. 2 through Oct. 7.

This event is held at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin and features renowned artists from across the country who will give students one-on-one instruction to heighten their skills and provide fresh motivation.

Art Colony is for more serious artists who would participate in a summer-camp-style retreat where they eat, sleep and learn to paint from professionals for five days –– all while staying on site at Children’s Harbor, surrounded by tremendous views of nature and the lake.

“We try to educate the artist and inspire them,” said Grimes.

This year’s featured instructors include:

• Stan Kurth, an award winning artist, working with predominantly mixed media and Watermedia who is returning by popular request.

• Perry Austin, a member of Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society and Plein Air Painters of the Southeast.

• Muir Stewart, who taught design drawing and watercolor at Auburn University and has worked across the globe in Italy, Scotland, England and France.

The cost is $700 and encompasses lodging, workshop, three meals a day and other special activities.

Registration is open now at and ends Aug. 14.

For more information about either events, contact Barbara Calhoun Grimes at 334-546-2233.