ROCK SPRINGS — Retired art teacher Shari Kumer is showing her work at the Community Fine Arts Center until Oct. 17.
Kumer’s show features pieces she says reflect the artistic freedom she’s found since leaving the classroom two years ago. She first taught art at East Junior High, then Independence High, which turned into Black Butte High School.
She said retirement changed her approach to art.
“A lot of the art I did was ‘Okay, what can I do that would be an example for students,’” Kumer said. “Being retired, I was able to just do what I want when I want.”
Her work leans heavily toward nature, especially flowers, although she occasionally takes on commissions such as pet portraits for friends. She said she finds meaning in flowers beyond just their beauty.
“Each of them kind of has their own personality,” Kumer said.
One piece that stands out from the rest is the aptly named “Hobbit Hole”. Kumer said the piece was commissioned by her niece, a fan of J.R.R Tolkien’s works. Rather than copying an image from the films, Kumer said she researched different depictions of hobbit holes to create her own version.
Most of her work is done in acrylic, though the show also includes pieces done in colored pencil, charcoal, and watercolor. Kumer said she prefers acrylic for its versatility and forgiveness compared to watercolor.
