Norman — Local artist Dana Helms will host an open house for the public 7-11 p.m. Saturday in her new art studio, Upside Down Artist, LLC., 115 N. Broadway Ave. in Moore.
Helms teaches drawing and painting classes and one of the ways she teaches people to “see” things differently is by painting upside down.
Since 1995, Helms has worked with local schools and the Pioneer Library System, has performed at statewide festivals and has taught art classes in the hopes of helping others explore artistic freedom through painting and drawing upside down.
“By turning the object you are drawing upside down, your brain ‘sees’ things differently, allowing you to become more creative,” Helms said.
Upside Down Artist, LLC is a working studio for Helms. She offers classes in drawing, acrylic painting, pastels, pen and ink, stop motion animation, portfolio building, papier-mâché and sculpture for all ages.
Group workshops are open to child day care centers, birthday parties, women’s and men’s groups, Girl and Boy Scouts, corporate team building and teacher workshops.
Helms began a business partnership with Moore Norman Technology Center’s Business Development Center in South Oklahoma City in 2008. Along with office and workspace, the BDC provided her with on-staff experts and courses on employee management, financial planning, business plans, marketing and more. The design of the BDC is to assist entrepreneurs in the district to a level of independence through knowledge and sound business practices, while focusing on their primary business goals.
Of opening her new shop Helms said, “this was an important next step. One I have been envisioning since 1995. My business has steadily increased to the point that I had to find a gallery of my own. I am really excited about the future of Upside Down Artist, LLC.”
For more information call 203-2834 or visit Helms’ Web site at www.danahelmstheupside-down artist.com.
