Nicole Thibodeau, Hays, KS, will be the Artist-in-Residence Sunday, May 30 to Saturday, June 12 at the Red Barn Studio Museum. While at the Red Barn, Thibodeau “will be experimenting with words and images, which will likely take the shape of watercolor illustrations for children’s books.” Of her art, she says, “It is important to keep painting, no matter what– no matter the voices of societal expectation, the thoughts of cost, or a rationality that strives to undue creative endeavors. The most valuable commodity an artist can be given is time. Time creates the possibility to learn new skills to perceive and to practice. I know I will be drawn to create art about nature that originates from observation and ends in the realm of fantasy and symbolism. The early light illuminates colors more clearly before the heat of the day and I often find myself out to catch this beautiful light.”  On Saturday, June 5, from 1PM to 3PM, Thibodeau will have a “Watercolor Landscape Plein Air Workshop“ at Coronado Heights.  Cost for members is $25, nonmembers $40, with a minimum of 2 participants, maximum 20. Supplies are not provided. Please bring watercolors, watercolor paper, water, brushes, hat, sunblock, snack and insect repellent. To register for the workshop, contact the Red Barn Studio @ 785 227-2217 or by email at raymer@redbarnstudio.org.

Nicole Thibodeau grew up immersed in the natural beauty of Taos, New Mexico. As the daughter of painter, Rich Thibodeau and actor, Karen Thibodeau, creativity was intertwined with daily life. She painted her way through a BA in Studio Art (Bethany College) and an MFA (Fort Hays State University). She also pursued her love of writing with an MA in English (FHSU).  Further studies took her to the Art Students League (New York), Studio Art Centers International (Italy), and Lacoste School of the Arts (France). She currently lives and creates in Hays, KS, also designing activities for teens at Hays Public Library. Some of her work, bio, events, etc., can be found at http://www.nicolethibodeau.com. Short essays and poetry can be found on her blog, The Creative Lexicon.