Colored pencil artist featured at center

Colored pencil artist Mary Pesch is the April artist in residence at the Cedarburg Cultural Center.

Pesch, who is a teacher known for her striking hyper-realistic style and creative approach, brings both technical expertise and artistic curiosity to her work.

For more than a decade, Pesch has worked as a commissioned artist, specializing in colored pencil portraits of pets, children and families. 

In addition to her studio practice, she teaches colored pencil and watercolor classes at the cultural center and the Whitefish Bay Recreation Center.

Pesch holds a bachelor of art and design degree from the University of Illinois and began her career as a graphic designer, working with advertising agencies throughout downtown Chicago. 

She now resides in Cedarburg, where she continues to create and teach.

Pesch will demonstrate her art from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 10, 11, 17, 24 and 25.

She will also lead “Rendering Water in Colored Pencil” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, April 22 and 24. Designed for both beginning and experienced artists, the class will guide participants through techniques for creating realistic imagery using colored pencil. 

Those attending will learn layering, blending, highlighting, creating texture, embossing and working on toned paper. They will receive step-by-step guidance, see demonstrations and receive individualized attention.

The fee of $78 for center members and $94 for nonmembers includes some supplies, but participants are encouraged to bring a Prismacolor Premier 72-piece colored pencil set. 

For more information or to register, call (262) 375-3676 or visit www.CedarburgCulturalCenter.org and click on the classes tab.

The center at W62 N546 Washington Ave. is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.