The Walt Whitman State Historic Site in South Huntington is offering a unique creative experience with its Paint & Sip: Starry Night Edition event, where participants can paint a margarita glass inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic Starry Night.
Artists of all skill levels are invited to join this creative experience at the historic birthplace of American poet Walt Whitman. The class will be taught by Caitlyn Shea, the site’s director and an artist herself.
“We’re trying to be more creative and not just poetry and writing but also art,” Shea said in an interview with South Shore Press. She noted that the site’s theme for the year is self-healing, which has inspired programs like yoga and art to help participants along that path.
While the first paint-and-sip event featured Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, a powerful female artist, this month’s event hits closer to home. Shea elaborated on a connection between the celebrated author Walt Whitman and world-renowned artist Vincent van Gogh.
“He (van Gogh) loved a lot of the imagery in Walt’s poetry,” Shea said. “For instance, Walt talks about a vault of stars and that’s something that really interested van Gogh and then he goes on to paint Starry Night.”
More on this connection will be explored during the event as Shea discusses facts about both Whitman and van Gogh. She will also guide the painters step by step as they enjoy a night of creativity and relaxation. Both refreshments and the glasses will be provided.
“What people should know,” said Media and Events Coordinator Jennifer Orellana, “is that they could be beginners—they don’t necessarily need to be a skilled artist to join this class, and Caitlyn herself is an artist, so she’ll teach everyone how to simply craft van Gogh’s Starry Night…she’ll really guide them through the process and make it as easy as possible.”
Participants can also draw inspiration from the setting—the historic birthplace of Whitman, who emerged as the voice of the 19th century, a time of great change marked by the Civil War, western expansion, and other issues. Since the poet's birth in 1819, the small farmhouse has survived threats and is well-established on the list of state and national historic places.
For registration and information, visit waltwhitman.org. The entry fee is $35, with a $5 discount for members. Openings may be limited.