SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – I just got off the phone with Craig Newman, a popular local artist who is our featured speaker at this Thursday’s Mingle at Tahoe Art League Gallery on May 21st from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. We had a delightful conversation that went in numerous directions – Craig is such an interesting and deep person with so many talents.
We reminisced about our time together last year when he generously offered to lead a directed painting for a very special group of foreign visitors. I was honored to be his assistant. I was familiar with his style of art, so beautifully influenced by his dear teacher and friend Phyllis Shafer. I am on the Murals Committee, so I am proud that I had a say in approving his murals at Freshies and Hotel Azure. His dreamy, surrealistic style using high saturation colors, a rainbow spectrum with each color resonating its own frequency, lends an energy to the painting that can be felt even as you whiz by in your car. We talked about how that positivity benefits Lake Tahoe’s visitors and locals alike; you see the wall art and feel happy.
His desire for people to be healthy and happy leads to his latest passion, which he is calling Alchemical Sound Healing. He has spent a lot of time training (so worth it, he says) in this very specialized healing method. Using sound and frequency, he facilitates the experience that brings great relief to people, and at the same time, he is discovering his own medicine as he connects with their hearts. I asked him, What’s the magic? He tells me it is powerful and sacred work, working with the “energetic container” around all of us, and our chakras, helping to release whatever energy is stuck. He further explains that the body can heal itself, and there is always a positive outcome, 100 percent!
Craig goes on to tell me that he has now developed an even greater passion for painting and how his art has helped him focus on his personal mental health. He is currently elevating his art, spending upwards of 80 hours on a small painting. He is able to stay solely focused on the painting, ignoring the noise in his head. So much love and dedication are going into his works as he prepares for his art show this Fall at Paddle House Brews. He plans on a collection of 12 paintings arranged in a circle, plus two other local Sound Healers co-hosting with him.
Come meet Craig this Thursday; you will truly enjoy his generous and mindful spirit. Check out more of his local art on the interior walls of Freel Perk and CrossFit at the Y.
Craig offers donation-based Sound Healing events. He will be at Regan Beach Park on Tuesday, May 19, from 10 am-11 am. He will offer another public event in mid-June at Paddle House Brews. A great way to learn more about this special experience!
Craig, who was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, is available for commissions and private painting parties.
Facebook: Craig Newman
Instagram: @craigshealingart
Tahoe Art League Gallery
3062 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
-Michelle Gomez, Tahoe Art League
