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| Carsley |
According to fine-art and painting instructor, Perry Carsley, no one can walk into his six-week painting class and come out Rembrandt. Painting is a gradual process whereby students build on lessons learned and skills obtained. “They can return, and I can recognize their level and build from there,” Carsley said.
His class is part of the curriculum at Annmarie Garden’s Studio School in the Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center on Solomon’s. The studio provides creative instruction for aspiring artists ? toddlers to grandparents ? throughout the year.
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After graduating from the Schuler School of Fine Arts in Baltimore, Carsley worked on the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Nonetheless, the sculptor says his first love is painting. “I wanted to build my studio and teach as well,” said Carsley. He moved down to Port Republic from D.C. and fell in love with Annmarie Garden, where he now teaches ? primarily drawing and painting.
Carsley’s students, Lauri Bruce has taken many courses with Carsley. “My son and my husband are now coming with me to Perry’s drawing class.” Bruce said. “He is the very best.”
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Bruce has been a professional painter, earning a living doing portraits and landscapes. Nonetheless, she has learned so much during Carsley’s classes. She explained that neither her husband nor her son had any experience, but Carsley is working miracles with them.
Karen Zuza, a member of the Annmarie Garden Board, had heard good things about Carsley and decided to try his painting class in addition to running the facility. “For me, it’s not about long-term goals, its’ about making myself better,” she said.
The Annmarie Garden Center is a 30- acre park that features a scenic arts building, studio school and a walking path. The path winds through the woods, taking visitors near permanent and loaned sculptures, some from the Smithsonian Institution. For information on Annmarie Garden classes and activities, call (410) 326- 4640.