Gallery • 3 Photos

Abby Pribila

Mr. Bonner along with senior art students Conner Lampasso, Ella Slater and Josephine Paradee kick-off the event to all of the painters at Painting With the Herd.

Nearly 20 community members attended Painting With the Herd on Friday, Oct. 25. There were a lot of staff members and parents of students in attendance. The Art Department at Manitou Springs High School (MSHS) put together the night of painting to fundraise for the program, specifically to buy new art supplies. 

The ‘class’ was set up similarly to Painting with a Twist, “minus the alcohol,” said Mr. Bonner. The creative idea came from the previous job of Ms. Newberry, this year’s student-teacher, where the business she worked at had a similar format. With her experience involved, the event was put together quite nicely. All of the paint was prepared and put out onto paper plates for the painters. All of the supplies such as brushes and canvases were set out before the guests arrived. 

The painters were treated with snacks and smoothies before getting started with their senior instructors: Ella Slater, Josephine Paradee and Conner Lampasso. All of the senior artists were very prepared to be instructors, practicing the painting in the weeks leading up to the event. “This is a chance for some of our senior artists to demonstrate their skills and to raise some money to put back into the Art Department,” said Mr. Bonner. Slater, Paradee and Lampasso took turns explaining each step in the painting and when it wasn’t their turn, they helped painters who needed a little guidance. 

Community and staff members alike were there in support of the department. An email was sent out to the staff asking if they wanted to come for a fun night of snacks and painting, and Mr. Batson, Ms. Rodearmel and Mrs. Fournier attended. Rodearmel said, “I don’t paint that much but it sounded fun,” but she came out to improve her skills, show her support and have a fun night.

Overall, Painting With the Herd was a creative experience and for a good cause. There was a good turnout and lots of support was shown. The event raised a lot of money, the senior instructors demonstrated their talent well and everyone left satisfied with their amazing paintings.