“I love that I’m around art every day and I’m building a community of artists.”
Prescott Fine Art, located in Pine Ridge Marketplace (formerly Prescott Gateway Mall), offers artwork by a dozen artists as well as art classes for the public. Tamara Holcum, the art gallery owner, operator and artist, is a Certified Bob Ross Instructor. Many remember Ross and his art program, which aired on PBS for 31 seasons. Holcum is only one of 10 artists in Arizona trained in the Ross methods and the only artist with that training in the Quad Cities.
The Ross philosophy is that everyone can paint if they’re willing to get the proper instruction and practice.
Holcum was trained at the Ross site in Muncie, Indiana, where the PBS program was filmed. Upon completion, she was given her certificate in the very room where Bob filmed the show.
Holcum’s paintings adorn part of two walls in the gallery, showcasing mountains and waterfalls. One painting is of a lion she took a photograph of when she was in Kenya. She often paints from her photos. She also has a bird painting series. About 95% of her paintings are oil, and she paints in the window of the gallery, where passersby can experience her creations as they come to life, stroke by stroke.
“Some people are intimidated by art, but we want people to feel welcome,” she said.
Holcum loves to give visitors a tour of the gallery, telling something about each of the 12 artists who have their work displayed.
Prescott Fine Art (PFA) has some high-end artwork; however, Holcum emphasizes that much of the artwork is affordable. She encourages people to come in to see some unique art gift ideas. Several of the artists also offer prints of their work.
Eleven of the dozen artists whose art is exhibited in the gallery are from the Prescott area; the only one who isn’t local is international art dealer Terry Kettenhoffer.
Prescott Fine Art offers a four-hour painting class that costs $65 and art students will leave with a completed art piece. Another popular event is birthday painting parties. PFA also offers private lessons, girls’ nights out and date nights for painters. “People love our paint parties,” said Holcum.
The best part of the business, she says, is that she gets to do what she loves and bring painting to the masses.
“Those in the art classes have tears in their eyes when they leave because they can’t believe what they’ve done,” she said. “I love that I’m around art every day and I’m building a community of artists.”
Nature paintings are popular items at PFA, and Prescott photographer Michael McDermott has his wildlife photos displayed. Heather Spencer, another Prescott photographer, showcases her nature photos in necklaces. Wood art and jewelry art are other forms displayed at PFA.
Holcum, who previously owned a gallery in Scottsdale, chose Pine Ridge Marketplace because of its foot traffic. She was excited that the new owners of the mall have plans to bring in more stores.
“People come in every day and tell us, ‘We are so glad you are here because you have brought color to the mall,” she said.
Currently, PFA is at capacity with its 12 displayed artists and has a waiting list for 10 more. “There is a big need since the Prescott Art Market closed in May,” she said. “We signed up six artists on the first day.”
PFA often invites guest teachers in to mentor art students. PFA also has paint supplies, including starter kits, available for purchase. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
For more information, call PFA at 928-910-6545.
Photos by Stan Bindell: Prescott Fine Art owner Tamara Holcum is a Certified Bob Ross Instructor who features her artwork along with that of other local artists. The store and gallery, located in the Pine Ridge Marketplace, offers supplies, painting parties and lessons. “I love that I’m around art every day and I’m building a community of artists,” she said.
