Painting for yourself.
Introducing Dayna Hartley the President of the Palette and Brush group.
“It’s to make you happy and create stuff. You do it for yourself, because it’s fun.”
Dayna Hartley, Palette & Brush President
Tell us about who you are, how long you’ve been involved with the Cultural Society and how you got involved with Palette and Brush.
Dayna: I used to take painting lessons at the Cultural Society as a kid, back in the 70s. I think Don Ross was the instructor? After college, I entered some of their shows & won awards in the late 80s/early 90s.
I changed jobs in May, 2024, and thought about joining the Palette & Brush Club, but they weren’t active then. Finally, I asked Dawn if I could start it up, and she said yes! So I wrote up some new by-laws and we had our first meeting March 13, 2025.
As the President of the group what do you do and what are typical meet ups like for the Palette and Brush group?
Dayna: We bring our supplies in at 5 pm and paint/draw/make art until 7 pm or so. We sometimes share snacks, too.
What does Palette and Brush and the Cultural Society give people that they can’t easily get on their own?
Dayna: I think we offer a supportive environment, and some motivation. It’s like you feel like you need to try to do something, once you’re there, and sometimes getting started is the hardest part. We also have room to spread out, which some people might not have at home.
Is Palette and Brush limited to only traditional painting? Can someone join that wants to draw or use an iPad to digitally paint?
Dayna: We absolutely welcome iPad art, drawing, crafts, or whatever you want to do!
“Seeing other people in the group trying new techniques and art materials makes me want to try that, too.”
What inspirations drive you to create?
Dayna: It’s nice to have the encouragement of other people who actually appreciate how hard it is to do art. Seeing other people in the group trying new techniques and art materials makes me want to try that, too.
What evolution have you personally or your work had while being a part of Palette and Brush?
Dayna: Well, we were going to have an art show as a competition, with awards, but I’ve decided, after talking to Marrion McCaskey, one of the original founders of the club, that it might be better to just have a show of what all of us have been working on, without judgement, to be more encouraging and inclusive for everyone. We have members at all different levels, and I just want us to show what makes us happy, and share our reasons for making art.
What role do you feel the arts play in our community?
Dayna: I used to teach art (ceramics and photography) at Rend Lake College, and I didn’t want students thinking it was a vocation- it’s something you can do for yourself, and you might not make any money from it. It’s to make you happy and create stuff. You do it for yourself, because it’s fun.
What does someone need to join Palette and Brush, learn about joining or reach out?
Dayna: Come by on the first & third Thursdays of the month at 5 and meet us, and see if you want to join!
Feel free to join the Palette and Brush facebook group.
