Campus News

Classic Holiday Workshop kicks off holiday season

GC event draws 70 participants in new Performing Arts Center

Kaitlyn Glotfelty, left, and Erin Frazee were among the 70 participants at the Classic Holiday Workshop, which took place November 5th in the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. Frazee chose to paint Grandpa's Truck, a popular item that sold out during the course of the event.

The holiday season is here. That was clear as 70 people attended the Classic Holiday Workshop event November 5th at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.

The Classic Holiday Workshop – sponsored by Garrett College's Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development – was an outgrowth of Garrett College's 50th anniversary celebration, which concluded with GC's 2022 commencement ceremonies.

"I was asked to create about ten 50th anniversary courses, so I started thinking about things that were popular about 50 years ago," said GC Coordinator of Community Education Matia Vanderbilt, who oversaw the event. "That led me to the Classic Christmas Tree class I ran last year.

"Students from last year's class enjoyed it so much I thought, ‘Why not create a bigger event and offer more items than just Christmas Trees?'" explained Vanderbilt. "The other goal I had in mind when creating the Holiday Workshop was offering a community event that would bring people of all ages together for crafts and fun."

Participants painted holiday-themed ceramics that could be used in home holiday scenes or as holiday gifts. Vanderbilt said a partnership with Deep Creek Pottery – owned by former Garrett College Professor Ron Skidmore and his wife, Lori – was critical in the event's success.

"All the ceramics and paint for the event were provided by Deep Creek Pottery," said Vanderbilt. "Lori also marketed the event on her social media page, and Ron came to help as well."

Vanderbilt said the event outpaced her expectations.

"I was very pleased with the turnout and hope the event will be bigger next year," said Vanderbilt. "I received a lot of positive feedback from participants. Everyone I spoke with intends to come again next year, and bring more friends and family to join."

Vanderbilt also said participants "were very excited to be in the new Performing Arts Center and thought it was the perfect location for the event."

Three participants each won two tickets – donated by the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) – to see the River City Brass Holiday Concert. That event, which will take place in the PAC's Offutt Theatre, is scheduled for Sunday, November 20th at 2 p.m. For more information on the concert, go to www.artsandentertainment.org.