Sadie Wilbanks practices more on her shading exercise Wednesday in Whitmire.

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Jessica Martin, left; Sadie Wilbanks, middle and Baxley Alexander practice what they've been taught by Mid-Carolina junior Maggie Riddle during art lessons Wednesday night. The three girls are a part of the younger group that meets at 4 p.m. The older age group meets at 5 p.m.

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Mid-Carolina junior Maggie Riddle teaches art to students in the Creative Hands Art and Music Studio in Whitmire Wednesday night. Here Riddle instructs Sadie Wilbanks on some shading techniques.

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From left to right, Price Alexander, Sydney Wilbanks, Catherine Baker and Matthew McMurtury practice their shading techniques on Wednesday during the new art classes in Whitmire. These students are part of the older crowd that meets at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

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Sydney Wilbanks, left; Catherine Baker, middle and Matthew McMurtury are art enthusiasts taking art classes Wednesday evenings in Whitmire at Charlie Wilbanks studio on Main Street.

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The Creative Hands Art and Music Studio group meets every Wednesday at either 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. in Whitmire. In the back row are Mid-Carolina junior and teacher Maggie Riddle, Sydney Wilbanks, Catherine Baker, Matthew McMurtury and Price Alexander. In the middle row are Jessica Martin, Baylee Strickland and Cadee Shields. In the bottom row are Sadie WIlbanks, Baxley Alexander and Spirit.

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Students as young as five and as old as 13 come to Charlie Wilbanks studio in Whitmire for art classes taught by Mid-Carolina junior Maggie Riddle.

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Sadie Wilbanks learns art techniques about shading and light in Wednesday evening art classes in Whitmire taught by Mid-Carolina junior and artist Maggie Riddle.

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WHITMIRE — Main Street in Whitmire looks quiet from the outside but on a late Wednesday afternoon, young people are brewing up creativity in Charlie Wilbanks photography studio.

The Creative Hands Arts and Music Studio has had a couple of classes so far and meet every Wednesday in Whitmire at Wilbanks’ studio toward the end of Main Street.

Wilbanks is in charge of organizing and publicizing the event and she has a teacher come out to show the young artists instruction on art principles.

Mid-Carolina High junior and artist Maggie Riddle merged with Wilbanks and teaches art classes to two age groups — 5 to 11 and 12 and up — every Wednesday. The younger group meets at 4 p.m. and the older group meets at 5 p.m.

Riddle and Wilbanks’ connection runs deep as Riddle’s mother, Newberry College art professor Paula Riddle, taught Wilbanks art at Newberry High School.

Wilbanks said that Riddle is great with teaching and showing the kids techniques and tips and also explained that Riddle has won many awards.

Her awards are from Newberry Ag Expo 2012, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Reel Art Competition, S.C. State Fair 2011, S.C. Governor’s School 2011 and other achievements.

However, Wilbanks also commends Riddle for her ability to relate to the kids.

“She’s laid back, easy going,” said Wilbanks, “plus, this gives them someone to look up to. She’s a good mentor.”

Riddle said that even though her mother is an art teacher, she never thought about doing it herself but enjoys the interactions with the kids.

As far as teaching art for a career, she’s not too sure about that. For the present time, Riddle is focused on helping children learn more about art and producing art work they can be proud of.

“My mom suggested I try this for experience. It seemed challenging, but it’s helped me interact with the kids and the parents some,” said Riddle, who said she’s not one to back down from a challenge.

Riddle does get suggestions from her mom, she adds, emphasizing how “it’s all new to me.”

As for lessons, Riddle said she also thinks about what she’s learned from her art teacher, Debbie Murphy at Mid-Carolina High School.

In addition to the experience that Riddle gets from teaching the art classes in Whitmire, she’s also earning money for her school trip to Italy this summer with other art students from Mid-Carolina High.

Riddle will continue teaching through the end of this school year but art classes will resume. While Riddle isn’t sure about teaching after this school year, Wilbanks said she intends to keep the classes going every Wednesday and also have a summer art camp.

She is looking for teachers as well as business sponsors who can help cut down on the cost of $40 a month plus a materials fee for the young artists.

“Some kids can’t afford that monthly fee,” said Wilbanks who doesn’t want a child to be left out for that reason. She said that with sponsors, she thought it would be a good idea for businesses to display the child’s artwork as well.

While the children are still in a classroom like setting, there is still a laid back atmosphere where the kids can let loose their creative energy.

On Wednesday, the children were working on a second part of their shading exercise in which Riddle was teaching them about the direction of light and the study of shapes.

She also wants to do a mixed media collage, watercolor and sculptures.

One student, Baylee Strickland, exclaims that she “loves art” especially painting as she focuses on her shading exercise.

Another student, Price Alexander, said, “I’m a really good drawer and I want to excel at art,” in addition to plenty of other activities he wants to conquer.

Jessica Martin also proclaims her love for art: “I learned about shading and making things look 3-D.”

The excitement is contagious for the children as they learn about becoming better artists. They will get a chance to showcase their work in May with an art exhibit.

For more information about the art classes, contact Wilbanks at 864-542-5429 or visit the Facebook page Creative Hands Art and Music Studio. Classes are every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.