Bonham, Texas – Several new things are happening at the Creative Arts Center in Bonham. Perhaps most exciting is the new mural that is being painted on the center’s back wall in the garden.

This brightly colored mural was designed by Caroline Blackwell, who is both an artist and current board member of the center.  In early March, Blackwell and the center’s two full-time staff, Japhnee Metellus and Sandy Barber, met at the center after dark to project the design on the wall and trace it.  The following week, several local artists started painting the mural.

“This has been a team effort to make this come to life,” said Blackwell.

The design includes musical instruments and notes, a large paint brush and pallet, theatre masks and a variety of flowers, including one big sunflower.

In addition to Blackwell, Metellus and Barber, local artists who have lent a brush to contribute to the effort includes Jessie Bryant, Michelle Haynes, Tatiana Baeva, Sy Shahid, Trudi McDowell, Janice Taylor and Phil Blander.
The goal is to complete the mural before the center hosts Red River Arts Fest on May 3.

“We are also hopeful to help bring more murals and public art to downtown Bonham in the near future,” said Barber.

Last month, the center also launched a new Art Blog on its website. At last check, six different blogs have been written and posted.  The center’s Director has written one about lessons learned in her first year and her latest obsession: visible mending.  Center board members and artists have also contributed to the blog writing, including Michelle Haynes and Jessie Bryant.  Other blogs discuss the new poetry group formed at the center, the new mural and a recent piece of artwork at the center.

Another new feature of the center’s website is an Artist Directory and webpages for individual artist members.  Seven artist pages have been launched already, with additional ones expected to be added soon. 

“This is a new benefit to our artists members, helping them increase their online presence,” said Barber.

The Creative Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Fannin County.  To check out the Art Blog, Artists Directory and other happenings at the center, go to www.CreativeArtsCenterBonham.org.  The center is located at 200 W. 5th in Bonham.