Betsy Bland

Retired LCM art teacher Betsy Bland recently opened her own art studio.

With the stroke of a brush and the blotch of paint on a canvas, retired teacher Betsy Bland is still showing her passion for art. 

Bland, who taught art for 26 years and retired from LCM in 2022, recently started hosting classes at her own art studio. She had a practice class in June and officially started hosting classes in July.

According to Bland, she loves what she does and said she is glad she can help others develop their artistic skills.

“I feel like art is something that you can appreciate, learn, and share with others your entire life,” she said. “Whether you’re with others who already have a love and appreciation for art, or if you are introducing someone to art for the first time, art can light up your life. It kind of lives and grows in your soul.” 

Bland said she has always wanted to have a studio to work in and teach lessons.

“It has kind of been a dream,” Bland said. “I am not business-minded, but possibly, eventually I could open a business where other artists can work and we could have public events and gallery shows, etc. I do not have any events yet. I have had a former student teach two watercolor classes, and a friend of mine is going to teach a watercolor card class. I have another friend who would like to teach kid’s classes. I also have someone who’s possibly working on teaching a wood-burning class. I have taught several acrylic classes and a craft class.” 

Of the classes she has hosted so far, the adult ones are among her favorite.

“Adults still want to learn,” Bland said. “They just need some guidance and when I take them step by step through the process of painting, they realize they can paint, and I love to see them light up when the complete a painting and it looks so good they even surprise themselves.” 

Bland said when she is not at the art studio, she is at her part-time job at the Stark Museum. She always has a project going and likes to challenge herself. She likes to paint, work a little with wood, make large canvases, fix things, and she said she wants to always learn more. 

 “The ability for humans to be creative and appreciate other’s God given talents never gets boring,” Bland said. “If I am teaching a group of kids or adults, it’s fun to share and see people learn and deepen their love of art and their art skills that they can continue to use and appreciate for their lifetime.”