I’m so proud of Shannon. She’s not the kind of woman who let’s
negativity or the word
”
can’t
”
get in her way.
I’m so proud of Shannon. She’s not the kind of woman who let’s negativity or the word “can’t” get in her way.
This is a woman who had business cards made that said “Artist” while she was still learning. THAT’s confidence. She knew her destiny, and went after her dreams, which lead her to the TV studio at CMAP.
After aggressively taking our video workshops these past few months, San Benito County Artist Shannon Grissom started her own studio show at CMAP entitled Give These Walls Some Soul. Her hour long painting “how to” program is far from a “painting by numbers” show.
She gets into her work, and engages the audience. It’s clear that Shannon is passionate about her art, and wants the audience to pick up a brush and a palette as well. Shannon takes a painting from the conception stage, to putting a brush to canvas, to giving it the finishing touches throughout the hour. She advises the live studio audience to throw their fear away, and just go for it.
Shannon even cops to some of her own perceived shortcomings as an artist, claiming that teachers have told her that she “over blends” in her work. She demonstrates how with oils, you can go back days later and add to a painting, take chances with the colors, and redefine the look of your subject.
Shannon mentioned that she’ll be adding a new feature to her show, where she’ll give the audience and viewers permission to throw their painting away. For us visual people, she plans on having a garbage can in the studio where someone will actually toss a canvas in that simply isn’t working. Again, Shannon is communicating the message loud and clear: Don’t be afraid. Dive in. It’s OK to make mistakes and ditch a painting you don’t like.
Another added attraction to her program is live music, featured sporadically during the taping. On her first episode, Architect and San Benito County Guitarist David Huboi warmed up the audience with his jazz stylings during the beginning and end of the program. Her live studio audience and Ed McMahon-ish MC also spiced up the show, making it fun for viewers at home to watch.
Give These Walls Some Soul will be airing at 6 p.m. Saturday. For future episodes and air times, check out our Web site at www.mycmap.org.
Let me take an opportunity to plug our first annual Membership Recognition Awards! That’s right – CMAP is going to shower our 200-plus members with kudos, live on Channel 20, from 7:30 to 8: 30 p.m. Thursday. All CMAP members are invited to attend our annual meeting at 6 p.m. and stay for the award festivities following. Please RSVP if you can make it: 846-4983 or vi*******@****ap.org.
Suzanne St. John is the director of CMAP. She writes a regular column for publication in The Dispatch highlighting the news from our local television station.
