The Southampton Art School in Southampton, Ontario, recently broadened its community involvement by hosting an entire week revolving around wellness and other areas of interest that were suggested by members and others.
From yoga and creative writing, pain management and the arts to a special evening of modern day make-up techniques, the school tried to offer a wide range of classes that would appeal to broad spectrum of the community.
As with all events hosted by the Southampton Art Gallery and School, each class was designed not only as a fundraiser but also to broaden the School's appeal to a wider audience.
The last event of the week was a special make-up artistry evening that featured television and film makeup artist Rob Closs from Toronto.
"When I look at someone that I have to apply make-up to, his or her face is like a blank canvas to me. I try to bring out the best features while minimizing others, all through make-up application," Closs says. "It's much like painting. You have to choose colours, know how to blend, shadow and highlight."
For many thousands of years, humans in every culture around the world have used colour products to enhance their appearance. From B.C. China and India to Middle-ages Europe, cosmetics of one kind or another have played an integral part in almost every society.
The Art School demonstration featured the modern technique of 'airbrushing', where make-up is misted on to the skin in subtle layers. Part of the evening's appeal was the chance for individuals to experience a 'makeover'.
"Some of the makeovers I've done," said Closs, "are unbelievably satisfying, both for the client and myself. I've seen women and girls who have little self-confidence blossom under the metamorphosis. It's a well-known fact that if you feel good about yourself, you project that feeling to the world outside you and, sometimes, all it takes is a little enhancement.
Do I consider myself an artist? Absolutely. I use colour, light and shadow and my canvas is the human face."
Every class held during the first Creative Wellness Week was filled to capacity and the school is considering making the week an ongoing event with a series of speakers and classes that appeal to a broad audience.
The above article was originally published in the August, 2009 edition of Saugeen Times. You can read the original article here.
Southampton Ontario is also home to The Southampton Inn & Spa, which has acquired the expertise of makeup artist Karen Brioux in their makeup studio, Faces North. Colour analysis, makeup update, makeup lessons and the latest in makeup techniques are just some of the services offered at Faces North, as well as an extensive line of quality cosmetics to choose from.
In addition to his role as a television and film makeup artist, Rob Closs is also the Founder and Managing Director of The School of Professional Makeup in Toronto.
In addition to our makeup blog, The School of Professional Makeup now has a shiny new Facebook page!