Searcy summers can be tough, but going to Paige Barnett’s Arrange and Paint classes can break up a monotonous week. Barnett, a former high school art teacher at Harding Academy, has been teaching painting classes for the past three and a half years — initially as a fundraiser to raise money for students to go on a trip to Chicago. 

Barnett said that she will be offering two classes the weekend of Mother’s Day. Friday, May 11 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at West Side Church of Christ Annex Building

“I get a lot of moms who came in and just need some ‘me time’ or even men who come in to do something sweet for their wives,” Barnett said. “It’s really neat.”

Barnett said she loves teaching and interacting with the students.

“It’s a good social activity, and I love it. I get a high from being with them,” Barnett said. “It’s a nice little workshop time and two hours of play, essentially.”  

Kathy Kirby, a Family and Consumer Science teacher at Harding Academy and former co-worker of Barnett, has been to multiple painting classes taught by Barnett.

“I don’t think I get any better, but Paige always makes people feel like they did a really good job,” Kirby said. “Even while looking at the picture, seeing all the really bad stuff, she’ll always find something really good that makes everyone feel good about themselves.”

Kirby started going to support the fundraiser for Chicago, but, the classes were so fun she kept going back.

Senior Brianne Johnson attended Arrange and Paint and said it was a fun way to spend free time. Johnson saw a post for the classes on Facebook and decided to attend. 

“Paige was super nice and really fun to talk to and interact with,” Johnson said. “She was really helpful in guiding us step-by-step through the processes and was very encouraging of our work.”

Johnson said her favorite part was getting to keep the flower arrangement, in addition to the painting. 

The next Arrange and Paint is scheduled to take place around Mother’s Day. To sign up, contact Barnett at epbarnett@harding.edu or Allison Parker at aparker@harding.edu. Cost is $35 and you can sign up by emailing epbarnett@harding.edu by Thursday, May 10.