It has been the ongoing mission of Bridgeport Arts Council to expand its offerings to include various facets of the arts. In addition to an ongoing music series, the non-profit group has recently implemented a local artist club. All accomplished, novice and want-to-be artists are invited to join. 

“What we basically want to do is to give artists a venue where they can collaborate with each other,” said Tom Randolph, who is heading up the project. “It’s a way for those who paint on their own to get together and exchange ideas.”

Regardless of their specialty and/or medium, artists often encounter situations during which they benefit from receiving an objective opinion about their paintings, Randolph said. 

“Sometimes we get stuck; something is not quite right or something bothers us about our painting and it’s helpful to get another eye on it,” he said. 

Specializing in landscape and portrait work in both acrylics and oils, Randolph said he has relied heavily on such collaboration to further his talent.

“I’ve painted for years - since high school basically,” he said. “I took a few classes in college, but I really learned from working with other artists - being around them and watching them, picking up things here and there. Rather than working with one particular artist, it’s good to take bits and pieces from professionals - and very good amateurs - in trying to develop my own style.” 

Personally, Randolph has accomplished that through relationships with local artists and long distance collaborations through the Internet.

“A guy who helped me a lot was Peter Wood of Lincolnshire, England,” Randolph said. “Four or five years ago, he agreed to look up my work and guide me along a path.”

That collaboration was most helpful in Randolph’s development of Monet-style garden and floral pieces, he said.

Locally, Randolph said he has been privileged to work with Lillian Curry, an elderly artist who has years of vast experience in visual art. It is likely that Curry will be active in the newly formed artist club. 

The club is also intended to help develop new area talent. 

“We want to develop guidance for those people who are just starting out,” Randolph said. “There are people who would like to paint but claim they can’t even draw a straight line. We want to be able to bring them into the fold.” 

Randolph was first inspired to paint when he was in kindergarten in Lewis County. 

“I had a teacher named Mrs. Sturm. She was an artist and she would line the kids up and have us paint and listen to classical music,” he said. “I still have all my drawings from exhibitions at the local library.”

Randolph said he is grateful for the planting of that seed. He encourages others to take up painting.

“I think painting is probably one of the best stress relievers one can encounter,” he said. “That’s because you have to concentrate on what you are doing. You can’t let problems or worries influence your paintings. You learn to block things out.” 

Art is also a most ideal form of self-expression and a way to tap into one’s innermost feelings, Randolph said. 

He and other members of Bridgeport Arts Council are most excited about the club and about bringing additional members into a group which supports the arts. 

“This may be a chance to be part of an organization that can help you reach your artistic dreams,” he said. 

Those interested in becoming part of the local artist club can contact Randolph at 304-677-2360.

Editor's Note: Pictured is Randolph. Read about Bridgeport Arts Council's Concert in the Park series HERE.