Bethany Milam with art class
student Rowena Hensman
Bethany draws
from art to start teaching career
Posted By: Matthew Brownon: August
09, 2017
A dyslexic woman from
Basingstoke who found her escape through art after a difficult time at school
is to run new art classes.
Bethany Milam, a fine artist,
will be leading drawing and painting sessions at Kingsclere Village Club
starting on September 7, but it could have been so different for her.
The 30-year-old found creative
and visual subjects at school to be an escape. “It was an oasis in what was a
difficult environment,” she said.
Bethany recalls the first time
she was praised for her work: “It was during junior school and I had done two
paintings, one was of a St Lucian parrot, and the other was a copy of Monet’s
Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge.
“This was the first time my
artwork had been recognised as being good and it was a huge confidence boost.
The memory stands out for me as I did not enjoy school as a whole.”
After finishing school, Bethany
went on to complete her PGCE and started teaching adult education art courses
and already teaches a daytime class at the Kingsclere club, something she
really enjoys:
She said: “As a child I never
would have imagined myself as a teacher but I love teaching and sharing my
passion for art and all things creative.
“There is nothing like the
feeling of accomplishment at seeing my students’ progress as they gain new
skills.
“Plus it keeps me exploring and
learning new things to pass on to my students.”
September will be a busy month
for Bethany as not only do the evening art classes start, she is also
showcasing her work in a solo exhibition for a month at the Willis Museum in
Basingstoke from September 23.
“I have a strong belief in the
importance of art and arts education for all and am keen to pass on this
enthusiasm” she said.
The evening art classes start
on September 7 until December 14, between 7pm and 9pm.
“We will explore different
media and techniques, working at the students’ own pace,” Bethany explained.
For details, call Tracey
Lethbridge on 01635 291248.
