Say Hello to Etta!
Etta Gallaway joined the 577 team in January as our Program Intern. She is an invaluable member of the education and outreach team. She can be found around the grounds installing the monthly StoryWalk®, answering questions in the Welcome Center and Curiosity Shop, moderating community classes, and she will be teaching a couple of classes herself.
Learn a little more about Etta, in her own words:
“Hello! I have been a lifelong patron of 577 and adore everything about the Foundation. It has been a dream come true to be able to join this team and work here. I have a background in the arts, graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and specializing in oil painting.
During this time, I explored all types of mediums, learning the foundations (if not more!). While I greatly enjoy refining my craft and using the creative side of my brain, I felt a longing to expand my knowledge and skillset. I am currently back and in my last year of a second bachelor’s degree in conservation and ecology biology. My hope, moving forward in my career, is to build community, promote good, and restore the natural world.
I have a passion for travel and spent the years after graduating with my first degree traveling to New Zealand, India, Nepal, and Vietnam. I love learning about cultures outside of my own and embracing new experiences. I most recently volunteered in Madagascar for a month, camping, doing wildlife conservation research!
These experiences shaped the way I feel about connecting with others and my purpose as an individual to make a positive impact. I hope to see you at 577 or taking one of my classes!”
Join Etta for one of her upcoming classes:
Printmaking: Carving Floral Stamps
Thursday, April 23 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Learn the art of carving and stamping in this beginner-friendly printmaking class. Using Spring as our inspiration, participants will make their own customized floral stationery and gift wrap. First, participants will receive a small rubber block and get hands-on to carve a simple floral design, while also learning about sustainable block alternatives.
In the second part of class, everyone will have access to a variety of carved floral stamps and will spend time designing and creating their own stationery and large sheets of decorative paper. These sheets can be used for wrapping, scrapbooking, and more.
Participants will make and take home two large sheets of paper and two cards, in addition to their carved rubber stamp, and the knowledge to create one-of-a-kind wrapping and stationery materials for years to come.
Acrylic Painting Basics: Midwest Barn
Friday, May 1 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Learn how to paint a beautiful Midwestern barn landscape while building your foundational acrylic painting skills, including the use of light, shadow, and basic color theory. Participants will receive a 9″ x 12″ canvas, reference materials, and gentle guidance and feedback from a professional artist.
All supplies are provided, just bring yourself and an open, positive attitude!
Printmaking: Carving Insect Stamps
Thursday, May 7 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Learn the art of block printing through carving and stamping in this beginner-friendly printmaking class. Using Spring as our inspiration, participants will make their own customized stationery and gift wrap inspired by their favorite bugs. First, participants will receive a small rubber block and get hands-on to carve a simple insect design, while also learning about sustainable block alternatives.
In the second part of class, everyone will have access to a variety of carved insect stamps and will spend time designing and creating their own stationery and large sheets of decorative paper. These sheets can be used for wrapping, scrapbooking, and more.
Participants will make and take home two large sheets of paper and two cards, in addition to their carved rubber stamp, and the knowledge to create one-of-a-kind wrapping and stationery materials for years to come.
