Joy Brand’s acrylic painting Idyll in Cherry makes the viewer think of warm spring days, far different from our recent Florida weather. Her painting hangs in the Deltona City Hall foyer, a spot reserved for the Deltona Art Club’s Featured Artist of the Month.
Brand only began working in art in 2014. As she was recovering from a long illness, Brand’s husband got her a drawing book, a pad of paper, and some pencils as a kind of distraction or therapy. She began drawing and sketching and tried some pen-and-ink work. She also began to take a painting class in acrylics weekly, and discovered the Deltona Art Club at one of their art shows at the Deltona Regional Library.
Brand became actively involved with the club and enjoyed showing her paintings in the art shows, the weekly working sessions at the Deltona Senior Center, and the occasional outings and demonstrations.
She enjoys the camaraderie with the members, the sharing of skills, and the encouragement to keep learning.
“Art is something anyone can learn,” said Brand. “Like any new skill, it takes practice and patience, but learning is so much fun, too. And, there are so many different art mediums to try. I have learned so much from the other club members, because everyone is so willing to share skills, tips and techniques. I love it.”
The Deltona Art Club, established in 1968, is one of the oldest continuously running art clubs in Central Florida. Everyone of all skill levels and types of art media is welcome to join in the fun.
The club meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month from September to May. The meetings are currently being held at Gemini Springs Park, Pavilion No. 5, 37 Dirksen Drive in DeBary.
