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Art workshops to benefit Williams Alliance for the Arts to take place at the Yellow House in Williams April 18

From left: Lupe Miranda-Sapp, Chris Mills and Kris Williams paint en plein air in front of the historic Yellow House. Ryan Williams/WGCN

From left: Lupe Miranda-Sapp, Chris Mills and Kris Williams paint en plein air in front of the historic Yellow House. Ryan Williams/WGCN

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Spring is in the air in Williams, but flowers aren't the only things in bloom. The local arts scene is also blossoming, with The Gallery in Williams' Birds, Bugs and Blooms exhibit kicking off today and the Capture the History en plein air art event set for April 18 at the Yellow House.

This is The Gallery's fourth year putting on the Birds, Bugs and Blooms exhibit, which lasts throughout the month of April. The exhibit features artwork that "explores the feathered creatures, colorful flowers and intriguing insects of Arizona," according to a flyer.

"We just wanted something for spring," said Gallery owner Kris Williams. "We thought it would be a good feature."

A reception will take place on April 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Gallery, 145 W. Route 66. More information is available at (928) 635-3006.

On April 18, Kerry-Lynn Moede is putting on Capturing the History... paint, photograph, draw "en plein air." The event will include a watercolor workshop, a photography workshop, an open paint session and lunch in the garden, weather permitting.

Artist Lupe Miranda-Sapp said working en plein air, which is French for "in the open air" is an enjoyable experience.

"I just have a great time, because who doesn't love being outside?" she said. "The only thing is you've got to be quick because the light's changing."

Bonnie Dent will lead the watercolor workshop, which starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 2:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. Dent will provide step-by-step guidance on how to create flowers, the house or both. Attendees must bring their own folding chair and TV tray, but all other supplies will be provided. The price is $50 per person with all proceeds going toward establishing the Williams Center for the Arts.

Grazina Wade will lead the photography workshop, which starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. with a break for lunch. The session includes instruction, shooting time, editing time, and printing a photo on canvas. The cost is $150 per person, and a portion will be donated to the Williams Alliance for the Arts.

Open painting will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Any media is welcome, and participants must bring their own supplies. The cost is $20 per person, with half of the proceeds benefiting the Williams Alliance for the Arts.

All skill levels are welcome for all three sessions. Organizers will award a small prize to the "People's Choice" selection of the day.

Lunch will be available for pre-order at noon. The cost is $10, and the menu is still being finalized. Non participants are welcome to attend the lunch.

As of Oct. 8, 2014, the Yellow House located at 120 S. Sixth St. is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Saginaw Mill built the Yellow House, also known as the Negrette House, in 1893. The company used it as a bunkhouse and an office. In 1919, the Negrette family bought the house for $810. Until about 1927, the family made some additions and changes to the house, including adding distinctive stonework to the exterior.

The house remained in the Negrette family for 93 years, until the current owner Kerry-Lynn Moede bought it in 2012. Since buying the house, Moede has done a great deal of renovations to the house, all while trying to maintain the historic character of the home.

This year, Moede has planted over 500 bulbs at the Yellow House, which will make for a picturesque spring scene.

"I've worked my fingers to the bone," she said. "I've got some grape hyacinth and purple tulips that are showing their faces right now, but there should be lots more coming."

Moede said she had three goals in mind when planning her event: "bringing more art to Williams, helping fund the Williams Alliance for the Arts and honoring the Yellow House."

More information about registering for the event is available from Moede at (602) 818-6559.


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