Tania Dirks
BIO
Obsessed with the bundle of energy and colors I find in the southern landscape, exploring how to create different rhythms in my palette & compositions on canvas and in my daydreams.”
Tania Dirks is an artist originally from the Hudson Valley area of NY. Tania holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, where she was recipient of the Florence Leaf Award & Grant for achievement, as well awarded a residency fellowship at Yale University’s -the Yale Norfolk Summer School of Art and Music. Tania was the recipient of the 2024 People's Choice award in ‘AG IN ART’ a regional juried exhibition at the Fischman Gallery in Johnson City. Tania can be found regularly teaching drawing and painting classes at different locations and will be bringing her class here to ArtPlay.
Tania lives in Telford, TN with her husband Greg and son Ranger along with their three Yorkie dogs, three chickens and three ducks. Three is her magic #.
HELENE RECOVERY
Last summer, I made my first introduction to Asheville by becoming a studio artist showing in the River Arts District. I was the new kid on the block. I was able to debut a class series to show my love of teaching acrylic paint and color theory with ArtPlay Studio and Gallery. Just a few months in and it was all suddenly gone, but in its place I found a community of fellow displaced artists who have become dear friends. The storm brought new opportunities for representation and teaching spaces, even my new gallery in Tennessee is because of the storm. I went from a new kid on the RADA block toimmediately having inner circle of super talented artists for moral support. I donated “Eventide Glory” which was my largest painting in the River Arts District that survived the flood to ArtPlay’s fundraiser for the relief effort. It was a blessing to be able to witness how people can raise each other up and to reciprocate.