Intern Insights

Becoming an Artist for the Afternoon:
Sister Shirley Le Blanc's Hospitable Virtuosity in Action
By Zachary Hacker

College of Mount St. Joseph co-op student Zachary Hacker enjoys an afternoon of oil painting in S. Shirley Le Blanc’s art studio.

Approaching Sister Shirley Le Blanc’s art studio I had an apprehensive feeling common to anyone with virtually no previous painting experience. What resulted was hardly short of a miracle: with the help of S. Shirley, I, as well as the rest of the class, was able to paint a spectacularly vivid nature scene, perfect for the Christmas season. Each and every one of the works turned out beautifully and they’ll make magnificent display pieces or gifts. Sister Shirley’s aptitude for her art, as well as her caring, helpful nature allowed her to transform the five students in the class into artists for the afternoon.

The classes led by S. Shirley meet once a week, and each week there is a new painting that the class completes together. S. Shirley instructs each individual and caringly oversees their advancement throughout the entire process. She really makes the paintbrushes seem to do all the work for you; and through her patient guiding, the blank canvas comes to life in merely a few hours.

Art students Peggy Loux (left) and Mary Brunsman (right) paint under the direction of artist S. Shirley Le Blanc (middle).

Not only is S. Shirley a talented, amiable instructor, but the other members of the class couldn’t have been more inviting to an outsider, and were equally quick to help at any moment that S. Shirley was assisting someone else. The women painting the day that I attended: Peggy Loux, Celeste Bergen, and Mary Brunsman couldn’t have been a better group, and each produced a marvelous painting. Even though each painting was based around the same original idea, and taught by Sister Shirley, every person’s work turned out completely unique, and S. Shirley even helped Peggy and Mary add a creek in their painting to make them even more elaborate and dissimilar.

Even the environment in the painting room is completely conducive to creativity, with brilliant paintings hanging on every wall, barely leaving a speck of bare space. Each student is provided their own easel and work space, with S. Shirley continually coming around distributing more paint, offering suggestions, and lending a helping hand.

After my own personal experience, I hold S. Shirley’s teaching ability and painting skills in the highest esteem. Taking a class with her promises to be a highlight of anyone’s week, and is something that I fully recommend to anyone interested. To get in touch with S. Shirley, who is always thrilled to have another student, or to schedule a class with Sister, call (513) 347-4167. Her studio is located in Regina Hall on the Sisters of Charity campus.

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Zachary Hacker is a sophomore at the College of Mount St. Joseph majoring in history and English. He is a cooperative education student in the SC Communications Office this fall 2009 and spring 2010. The co-op program is funded by an SC Ministry grant through the College of Mount St. Joseph.

 

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