Every Friday afternoon, laughter and lively conversation fill the Cottonwood Public Library’s community room as pencils, charcoal and imagination bring art to life. Adventures in Drawing, a free weekly class taught by artist and instructor Mary Rochelle Burnham, invites adults — especially seniors — to explore creativity through play, discovery and personal expression.
“Adventures in Drawing is really about joy,” Burnham said. “It’s a place where people can play again, explore ideas, and build confidence one sketch at a time. I remind my students that creativity isn’t about perfection — it’s about curiosity, courage, and connection.”
The class blends professional art instruction with an atmosphere of friendship and laughter. Lessons are presented in focused 20-minute segments that make drawing approachable and fun, even for those who haven’t picked up a pencil in years. Each session combines short demonstrations, guided exercises and open practice time — allowing students to learn fundamentals while developing their own expressive style.
Burnham, a longtime artist and educator, brings decades of experience and a warm, engaging presence to the classroom.
“For me,” she said, “teaching isn’t about producing perfect pictures. It’s about helping people feel the same joy and freedom I feel when I draw. Every week, I watch my students surprise themselves — it’s magical.”
An independent community art class supported by the El Valle Artists’ Association and located at the Cottonwood Public Library. Adventures in Drawing meets every Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. The class is free and open to adults of all experience levels, with materials graciously provided by the library for use in class — or bring your own.
