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Thinking about the tools that artists use, we relate mostly to paintbrushes, paints, clay and yes, crayons. We think of instruments, music and even voice; pens, pencils, computers, even typewriters. We think of scripts, stages, and costumes that actors use. Some of us might think of knives, pots and cutting boards as tools used by a cook or chef.

Since the Center for the Arts provides education in all these forms of art, it’s easier to understand the relationship of these types of tools with an artist. However, I’m not sure we think of hammers, chisels and compressors when it comes to artist tools.

One definition for the term tool is, “something used as a means of achieving something.” At the Art League, Marco Island’s Center for the Arts when they talk tools they mean business!

This year the Center for the Arts enhances its stone sculpting program. This program has always required the sculptor to use hammers, chisels and even saws. What’s new is that now they have obtained the proper tools, or paraphernalia, to implement pneumatic tools. Pneumatic tools operate with compressed air. This is big news for any student who wants to learn stone sculpting as it expands the means of opportunities that the sculptor has for developing and designing their piece of work.

The stone sculpting program is one of the many programs offered that are for all levels — beginners to experienced. This is because this is one of the programs where, although it is a group setting, instruction is on an individual basis. The emphasis is on the design and development of a finished stone sculpture. Participants learn basic sculpting and polishing techniques using, yes, hand or pneumatic hammers, chisels and common masonry tools. The final product is an original, one of kind, mounted sculpture —art!

The Art League, Center for the Arts, continues to enhance its concentration on education in the arts by making it easier to provide students with the tools, and access to the tools, needed for the programs it offers.

Some say it’s a new service, and for an organization about to celebrate its 40th “birthday,” I guess 2 years is new, but they now offer art supplies for purchase at the Center in the Gift Shop. Even the music class that will be offered, “Harp Playing Made Easy” includes the harp!

Thinking about the definition used earlier for tools, I have to say, that even though we know, (or I certainly hope some of us are starting to accept) art is everywhere, there must also be bit of an artist inside every one of us.

I say this as I can’t imagine that there is anyone out there who does not use “something” to achieve “something” everyday. What we may not think of is how this might relate to the arts or the importance of the arts.

We think of food and water as critical components in our life. We don’t necessarily think of creating a form of art or having the ability to enjoy the arts as a critical component. But now I wonder, don’t you? I think I might just ponder on this some more the next time I am doing “something” that requires me to complete “something” and see how often it is related to the arts or the use of the creative mind, and how critical that might be to my life. How about you? Happy Halloween!

Christine Neal is the executive director of Marco Island’s Center of the Arts. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in the Liberal Arts with emphasis in the Fine Arts and various certifications and designations in business and the arts. An award winning artist, with 20-plus years in management and sales. Marco Island’s Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive 394-4221 mail@marcoislandart.com.