Olney Community Library and Arts Center hosted reception for local artist

On May 24, the Olney Community Library and Arts Center [OCLAC] hosted a reception for local artist and photographer Brie Dinwiddie. Twice a year, the OCLAC hosts a local artist, displaying the artists’ work such as paintings, photography, pottery and drawings, to name a few forms of art that go on display. The reception for Dinwiddie was a chance for the artist to mingle with the public and discuss her art.

Dinwiddie said approximately five or six years ago, she had the opportunity to show her photography at the OCLAC and was happy to have the chance to have a showing again so that she could display her paintings and pottery. Dinwiddie first became interested in photography at 7 or 8 years old and said, “I like that you can freeze time, freeze emotion or a feeling. That’s what it was for me when I was younger. Then as I got older and began the business [as a professional photographer], it became about freezing other people’s memories and watching the connection between people; that’s what I really love.”

Also, Dinwiddie spoke about how she got started painting.

“I started painting when I was 17. My grandmother was an artist, and she taught art at a college. My aunt in Wichita Falls is an artist and my mom paints. So, I started taking art lessons when I was 17 and I just randomly sold pieces over the years,” Dinwiddie said.

Dinwiddie facilitates art camps for children throughout the summer and offers art for adults year-round. Information on the children’s art camp and the adult painting class can be found on Dinwiddie’s Facebook page: Photography by Brie.

In addition, Dinwiddie enjoys pottery and has some pieces on display along with her paintings and photography.

Dinwiddie said, “I took throwing lessons [pottery]; it was a part of the art classes at the art center in South Texas when I lived down there. I had access to the clay studio, so I had access to their wheels and their kilns and stuff and just learned how to throw coffee mugs and bowls and all kinds of stuff.”

Dinwiddie closed with advice to children interested in art, “If it’s your passion, don’t give up on it.”