To add something a little different to its ongoing community-building efforts, South Simcoe Theatre (SST) is offering a Paint and Tea Party fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the theatre.
The event is facilitated by longtime SST member, set designer and Barrie artist Sandy Bishop, and catered by Cheryl Nuttal. All proceeds help support the theatre, and no painting experience is necessary. The class is limited to 20 participants, and SST asks for registrations before Wednesday, Feb. 5.
The fundraiser is meant to be a fun combination of a social event and an opportunity to learn how to paint. The painting supplies and instruction are included in the $75 fee, as is an afternoon tea with goodies.
Bishop is the set designer for SST’s next production, Having Hope at Home. Last spring, she painted almost 30 pieces for the theatre’s production of Honeymoon in Vegas.
Bishop has been a member of SST since 1995 and has had many roles on and off stage. Taking on the whole set design of a play is a new creative challenge for her, and a foundational part of the production of any play — quite literally setting the stage.
Her passion for painting has grown over the past few years, and she is eager to share that enthusiasm with others. Bishop works mainly in acrylic, line and wash, and mixed media.
For the event, Bishop created an image that would be relatively easy to paint for a beginner, and every participant will bring home their own rendition of her painting.
“The inspiration for the painting came from the time of year, since we’re in the thick of winter,” she explained. “A night moon shining through the trees and reflecting off the snow is magical. There’s a stillness in the crisp air and a kind of comfort in the silence. I thought it would be fun to paint.”
Adding to SST’s learning and fun experiences are several workshops and classes being offered by the theatre starting in March. These include sound design, playwriting, costume design and sewing tricks, as well audition preparation courses and acting classes.
These are all open to adults wanting to try something new, and some for those who want to hone their craft.
You can see the result of Bishop’s work as the set designer for Having Hope at Home on stage from Feb. 28 to March 16, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Her artwork can be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by searching for @sandybishop.art.
To sign up for the fundraiser, email [email protected] with your name and the number of individuals in your party.
To find more details about this fundraiser and upcoming SST workshops, and to buy tickets for Having Hope at Home, visit thesouthsimcoetheatre.com.
The theatre is located at 1 Hamilton St. in Cookstown.
Rosaleen Egan is a freelance writer, storyteller and playwright. She blogs on her website, rosiewrites.com.