Art in the digital realm
New website showcases creativity of Highland Springs residents
Sara Martin
August 9th, 2016
https://www.ericksonliving.com/tribune
Tom Naylor’s artistic pursuits involve etching and printmaking. Tom recently launched a website to showcase the artists who live at Highland Springs.
Tom Naylor spent his professional life working as a computer scientist. His free time was reserved for artistic pursuits.
“I’ve been studying etching and related forms of printmaking since 1980,” says Tom. “It was my way of taking a break from the daily grind.”
Now retired, Tom combines his professional skills with his personal interests. He recently launched a website, artistsofhighlandsprings.com, to showcase the prolific artists who live at Highland Springs, the Erickson Living community in North Dallas.
“When my wife Judith and I moved to Highland Springs in 2015, I wasn’t sure what direction my art hobby would take,” says Tom. “Not only have I been able to continue to create my own works, I’ve discovered a wonderful community of talented artists who live here.”
Taking art online
Tom didn’t have to look far to learn that he was in good company. The work of Highland Springs artists is featured on a gallery wall in the Hillcrest Clubhouse. Three-dimensional pieces—sculpture, woodworking, and jewelry—are often featured in display cases outside the community’s creative arts studio.
“Art is all around us,” says Tom. “There are also weekly art classes taught by residents, so the number of artists at Highland Springs continues to grow.”
The more Tom saw of his fellow artists’ work, the more he felt compelled to broaden their audience.
“I searched for a Web hosting site that allowed a gallery format to highlight the work of multiple artists,” says Tom. “The website went live on March 1, 2016, and it was viewed by people in eight countries during its first month online.”
The website’s format allows artists to include a biography or artist’s statement and as many works as they’d like.
A greater audience
Lynn Tagtmeier’s pencil drawings are featured on the website. Lynn moved to Highland Springs in 2012. She won first place in the 2015 ArtsInspire Contest sponsored by Leading Age Texas for her drawing “Playing Dress-up.” Lynn currently teaches a pencil art class to other residents.
“I feel privileged to be part of a diverse art community that supports and inspires artistic pursuits,” says Lynn. “Some people come to my class and tell me they can’t draw. I feel you’re never too old to learn.”
More than a dozen Highland Springs artists are currently featured on the website. Tom continues to add more artists as he spreads the word about the new online forum.
“We have a monthly dinner for artists who live at Highland Springs and their friends,” says Tom. “There’s a lot of talent in the room when all the artists are together. The website is a way to share their work with the world.”