St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 4412 Mountain View Drive, Walnutport, recently hosted a series of art classes for both children and adults.

Led by art teacher Nancy Steinmetz, of Cherryville, the classes started April 15 and ended May 20.

Steinmetz said her fifth- through eighth-grade class had five students. In her adult class, she had one senior in high school and six adults.

Steinmetz has always been interested in art, and one of her inspirations is God.

"God created such a beautiful world, and life is so crazy. We don't take time to actually see or even look around. I just love drawing and painting [that]," she said.

Steinmetz has an art degree from Kutztown University and has taught in many local schools, teaching both art and special education.

One of the schools she taught at was Bangor Area School District.

"I loved doing that," Steinmetz said. "I did that for seven years.

"But the problem with teaching [in a school district], although I love teaching, is that teaching is a 24/7 job, and I didn't have time to do my artwork when I wanted to," Steinmetz said. "Now that I'm retired, I'm doing this."

Steinmetz has also had her artwork displayed in a gallery in Palmerton, and she has had her work sold at art shows.

Because this was the first time an art class was held at this church, Steinmetz didn't know what kind of background her students had in art. She decided to focus the initial class on media and how different media is used.

"I decided to let them have an experience with some different varieties of media," Steinmetz said.

Those media included pen and ink, conté crayon, watercolor and colored pencil.

Steinmetz has had many years of experience teaching art to children, but this six-week class was a first for her.

"This was my first adult class, and I was a little apprehensive about it. But I loved it, and they're great. It's almost like having a bunch of friends get together," Steinmetz said.

Another art class will be offered in September, Steinmetz said. Contact the church at 610-767-3107 for details.