Music and art classes, Summer Social, and a salute to Sam Cordle

Bob Ross Class Is Back

The arts center kicks off the month with the return of the popular Paint Like Bob Ross class on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Taught by certified Bob Ross instructor Gary Grider, the class is limited to 10 students, and tuition is $100.

One of our featured Songwriters Series artists

Songwriters Series

Join us Tuesday, June 4, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. as we host the Music on the Mountain Songwriters Series featuring Mike McCarrell. McCarrell began playing with local bands around Camp Lejeune while in the Marines in the early 1980s. One of the groups was the Super Grit Cowboy Band, an American country music band formed in North Carolina by Clyde Mattocks. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, McCarrell returned to Austin in his home state of Texas, where he continued playing for local bands. Former bandmate and friend Mattocks referred McCarrell to country legend Vern Gosdin to try out for his 1990 tour. That tour led McCarrell to open for Nashville country stars like Steve Warner, Trisha Yearwood, Marty Stewart, and many others.

Today, in addition to performing, McCarrell focuses on songwriting. He is a member of the National Songwriters Association International.

The free event is hosted by award-winning songwriter Craig Hendricks. The night will begin with a round of three songwriters, including Scott Henderson.

Art Class with Bradley Wilson: Creating Through Play!

We are excited to announce that artist/instructor Bradley Wilson is coming to Mentone June 22-23 for a two-day class in the Bill Berry Room at Moon Lake Village. Tuition is $195 plus a $20 materials fee. Class is limited to 10 students and is open to all skill levels.

The theme of the class: Jumpstart your creativity through play! Using simple materials, such as decorative papers and acrylic paint, students will explore image-making that emphasizes creative expression and exploration. “Play” is the name of the game in this class, and students will learn how to approach the creative process with a spirit of adventure and joy.

Skills and techniques to be covered are collage, color, composition, intuitive creating, and finding your muse!

Wilson was born in Chattanooga in 1970. He is a visual artist and author who creates paintings, drawings, and prints. He teaches studio art and art history part time at Lee University, Dalton State College, and conducts regular painting workshops at a variety of venues.

“My painting process is fluid and organic,” Wilson says. “I constantly make changes throughout the creation of a piece. I have no philosophy of painting other than to be open and responsive to the possibilities of the moment. Connecting with the present and finding the potential — this is what my work is about.”

Wilson and his wife reside with a multitude of dogs and cats in Charleston, Tennessee.

Summer Social

Our Summer Social honoring second-quarter Artists of the Month, Sarah “Mitzi” Roess (April), David and Lesa Cummings (May), and Sam Cordle (June), will be Thursday, June 27, from 5:30 p.m.-7-30 p.m. at the arts center. The public is invited, and light snacks and drinks will be available.

June Artist of the Month — Sam Cordle

Our June Artist of the Month

Sam Cordle is a potter from Summerville. His appreciation for ceramics started at a young age, growing up around his mother’s ceramics studio, herself an accomplished potter. Cordle is known for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing forms. With a deep commitment to utilitarian principles, he blends form and function to ensure each piece serves a practical purpose while enhancing everyday living. Drawing inspiration from nature and minimalist design, his work features clean lines and organic shapes. Cordle’s pottery is celebrated for its durability, sustainability, and timeless appeal.

Cordle studied art at Jacksonville State University, and since graduating has worked out of his mother’s former studio in Menlo. His work is displayed at the Mentone Arts Center and Guess McCall Gallery in New Orleans. His work can also be seen on his website www.samcordleceramics.com.

For additional information about any of our events or to register for a class, please see contact info below.