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July 10
Classic Albums Live
July 23
Local man brings Bob Ross to Viera
BY MEAGAN MCGONE
Barry Traxler can remember admiring Bob Ross on his TV show, The Joy of Painting, as a child. Traxler was fascinated by his soft-spoken ways of teaching audiences to create a masterpiece in less than 30 minutes.
“I had always wanted to paint, but when I was in grade school one of my teachers suggested there were two areas that I should avoid when looking for a career: art and music,” Traxler said. “I followed her advice for many years.”
Traxler continued to watch Ross every week, not forgetting that his secret desire was to oil paint one day. His desire became a reality in 2004, when Traxler received a gift certificate from his family for two Ross-style painting classes at Michaels.
Traxler learned Ross’ wet-on-wet painting technique under the instruction of Bernie Oropallo, an international instructor for Bob Ross Inc. Oropallo travels the world teaching and certifying students in Ross-style painting. He convinced Traxler to obtain his teaching certification by attending a three-week training course at the Bob Ross Workshop in New Smyrna Beach.
Traxler first started teaching by filling in for Oropallo from time to time at Michaels. Though he was hesitant at first, Traxler’s family urged him to dive in.
“I’ve been swimming in oil paint ever since,” he said.
He feels he is extremely fortunate to learn from some of the most talented artists in the field, including Oropallo and Audrey Golden, one of Bob’s original international instructors who has been featured on his shows and in his books.
“Bob always said that painting will change lives, and boy was he correct,” Traxler said.
Through painting, Traxler helps students gain self-esteem and an awareness of the beauty of nature. He said that nothing could be more rewarding to an instructor than the look of pride on a student’s face as he or she leaves the classroom thinking, “I did it!”
Traxler hosts classes through Brevard County Parks and Recreation and teaches in Viera, Palm Bay, Micco, Indian Harbour Beach and Melbourne Beach. He also works with developmentally disabled adults at The Sun Up Center and 55+ communities in the area.
Classes cost $40, which covers the materials, and they generally run from three to four hours. No experience is necessary. For more information, contact Barry Traxler at 321-984-0436.
SMHA Summer Camp brings 110 campers
BY MEAGAN MCGONE
Children stayed physically fit this summer by attending the Suntree Master Homeowners Association Summer Camp from May 25 through July 2. The camp was held on Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Spyglass Hill Park.
Director Martha St. Denis said the summer camp benefitted the 110 children in attendance by allowing them to exercise both physically and mentally through various activities. During SMHA Summer Camp 2010, children enjoyed jungle-themed craft projects, tournaments such as ping pong and box hockey, limbo and board game contests, and more.
“We did a Hula-Hoop contest, and some campers Hula-Hooped for 2 hours and 42 minutes.” St. Denis said. “They lasted until it was time to go home.”
Aside from building Hula-Hoop skills, campers ultimately learned about teamwork and learning during SMHA Summer Camp. The camp held Magnet Mondays to kick off the week, implementing a program where older children could guide younger children through activities. Also, children practiced problem-solving skills with mental-development games fit for specific age levels.
Though the SMHA Summer Camp has come to an end for 2010, parents wishing to sign their children up for next year’s camp should contact the Suntree Master Homeowners Association at 321-242-8960 around spring break of 2011.
VIERA VOICE Meagan McGone Campers and counselors pose for a group photo in front of the playground at Spyglass Hill Park during the SMHA Summer Camp on Monday, June 14, 2010.