A wooden indian welcomes customers to the Valley writers and artists shop in Old Town Clovis.
At first glance it resembles other such shops here but inside something else is going on. For just $5 a week these students of all ages are working on their urge to write, and to practice what they learn.
Their instructor is a local author Janice Stevens. "The opportunity came up to move here with Valley writers and artist , to create Valley writers and artists and bring them with us and it has just grown from that."
One of those writers was Lee Self. He had the idea to lease this shop in Clovis with an antiques business up front and the art and writing lessons in the back. "We're not in here to make a profit. We're in here to survive and make a place where people can enjoy the arts and work to better themselves," Lee Self said.
On Tuesday's the focus is the art of watercolor taught by Valley water colorist, Pat Hunter. She teaches the skills of creating with a brush. "The side benefit is that people make good friends. It's an invaluable place to have for our art and writing and so forth."
Hunter and Stevens have combined their talents on five books, the latest on Highway 1 North. "You really feel like you're in a surrounded by art and friends," Hunter said.
Their works and others involved in the Valley Writers and Artists are sold alongside the antiques and collectibles. Lee Self adds, "they can always use help from the public and invites you to pay them a visit."
The folks at the Artists and Writers say they welcome new comers to their home grown writers and artists group.
