Painting party participants pose with their artwork last month at Sacred Heart Parish in Melcher-Dallas.
By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
MELCHER-DALLAS — The close-knit Melcher-Dallas community isn’t exactly a booming metropolis, admits resident Anna Heaton. When it comes to finding opportunities to have fun and connect in the town — population 1,200 — a little creativity is required.
The Sacred Heart Parish community in Melcher-Dallas did just that last month, inviting residents — regardless of faith affiliation — to participate in a painting party. About 45 people gathered in the church June 20 to learn how to paint colorful, rounded crosses on canvas or draw on 3-inch rocks with paint pens. “It was an opportunity to come together and just hang out,” said Heaton, a member of the parish’s Social Action Committee. “It was a good activity that all ages could enjoy,” added parishioner Martha Reed.
The idea for the painting party came out of a Social Action Committee brainstorming session. “One of the ladies suggested having a painting party” where participants could create their own artwork under the step-by-step guidance of an instructor, Heaton recalled.
The committee reached out to parishioner Kathy Hoch, who has led painting parties at other locations. “She sent us designs to choose between,” Heaton said. “We didn’t want to make it too hard for the first time,” so committee members chose one of the simpler designs. Organizers wanted the event to be multi-generational, so they offered a rock painting option, as well.
The parish promoted the ecumenical, family-friendly event through flyers, a Facebook event listing and by word of mouth. “Quite a few non-Catholics” signed up, Heaton said.
The event took place on a Saturday afternoon, about three hours before the start of Mass. Hoch provided easels and paintbrushes, while the Social Action Committee brought fresh paint, canvases, rocks, plates and cups, drinks and homemade desserts.
Reed chose to paint 3-inch rocks alongside the youths, admitting she’s “not a very good painter,” and was impressed by their creativity. “The kids really came up with some good ideas,” she said. Some youths incorporated lady bugs, ears of corn or slices of watermelons into their designs. Others chose to make Father’s Day gifts by painting encouraging phrases like “#1 Dad” and “Best Dad.” Cross designs were also popular. “They loved showing me what they painted,” Reed said. “It was a fun afternoon of people of all ages getting together and having a great time!”
The event was a big hit and far exceeded the parish’s expectations, Heaton said. “We were hoping for at least 10 (participants). It turned out way better than we thought it was going to.” She especially enjoyed seeing children, parents and grandparents of multiple faiths painting side-by-side. “We’re thinking about doing it again!”
