Local artist Courtney Medlin fashionably displays needed donations for her upcoming Art Workshop
Submitted
BENNETTSVILLE — Local artist and vendor at Bennettsville & Co., Courtney Medlin of Medlin Customs is sharing a little of her creative genius with the residents of Bennettsville by holding an Art Workshop in partnership with the Marian Wright Endelman Public Library and Marlboro County Disabilities and Special Needs. Expected to stretch out over the next few months, the workshop will begin February 6.
“This event is all about giving people a chance to relax, create, and express themselves. Many will be painting for the very first time,” explains Medlin, who is asking her community for help with donating supplies for this very special once-a-month workshop.
“To make this workshop happen, I am collecting canvases, paint, brushes, and disposable aprons. Any reusable supplies I will be repurposing for other workshops already planned for the coming months. This is an exceptional community, and I am so proud to be a part of this new creative project,” says Medlin.
Any sized canvas will be accepted, but Medlin is specifically looking for smaller sized canvasses, usually around 8 inches, because she explains that workshop classes will start off short — around one to two hours.
“In future, we may do a collaborative project, and a larger canvas will be needed, but for now small canvasses are great. Acrylic paint is best and I will gladly take all sized bottles and brands.
“Folk Art acrylic paints are top notch, but I don’t expect anyone to get them, they can definitely be pricy,” cautions Medlin laughingly, adding, “I’m also looking for disposable aprons and brushes.”
Medlin says she is very grateful to be partnering with the library and Marlboro County Disabilities and Special Needs.
“Starting this once-a-month workshop gives people a chance to just be creative and paint. No one is ever too old, too young, too smart, or is completely incapable of painting. That’s what I love about painting. It is a uniquely diverse activity that promotes calm. Painting also provides profound mental and emotional benefits. The simple act of moving color across the surface helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and bring the mind into the present moment. For many people, painting becomes a form of emotional release. Allowing feelings that are difficult to say out loud to be expressed safely through art,” shares Medlin, who feels release through creative expression to be especially powerful for individuals who have experienced trauma, grief, anxiety, or social barriers due to an inability to communicate effectively.
“Because painting is accessible and non-judgmental, it builds confidence and emotional resilience when someone sees their own creation taking shape. It reinforces self-worth and a sense of agency. Art becomes both a mirror and a healing tool. I reflect on what’s inside while also helping people process, regulate and transform their emotions. In this way, painting is not just a creative activity, it is a community based, trauma informed practice,” said Medlin.
Having faced her own traumas, Medlin says mental wellness, emotional growth, and ways to foster human connection are all areas she is passionate about helping to heal through art.
“But honestly painting is just a lot of fun and technically harbors no rules, which is why I think people deserve that outlet,” said Medlin, who says the Art Workshop is helping her move ahead in accomplishing her goal of one day offering her own art therapy practice.
Another interest of the artist is returning to offering Sip and Paint classes.
“Sip and Paint classes are always a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to hopefully getting those up and running again in the future- I need to continue working towards getting more established,” says Medlin, continuing, “I’ve had a lot of time to face my own traumas and one thing I recognized was the creative process was my antidote. I just want to give that to other people, especially the vulnerable,” shares Medlin.
More information on the Art Workshop and opportunities to donate to the project can be found by connecting with the artist on her Facebook page Medlin Customs.